Powerscourt Covered Bridge, National historic truss bridge in Hinchinbrooke, Canada
Powerscourt Covered Bridge crosses the Châteauguay River between Elgin and Hinchinbrooke with a wooden structure built on stone foundations. The vertical board siding protects the interior truss framework from weather exposure.
Built in 1861 by David Will, this structure uses the McCallum arched truss design originally developed for railway bridges. Its use for road traffic marks a different application of this engineering approach.
The covered design reflects how 19th-century builders protected wooden structures from harsh weather through practical engineering. Locals and visitors alike cross it daily as a working link between two communities.
The bridge accommodates one traffic lane and two pedestrian walkways for crossing between the two communities. Access is straightforward, though weather conditions may affect visibility and safety at certain times.
This bridge is the only surviving example of a McCallum truss design used for vehicle traffic rather than railway purposes. This unusual application makes it a distinctive example of how engineers adapted designs for different needs.
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