United States Navy Seabees Bridge, Steel arch bridge between Chesterfield and Brattleboro, United States
The United States Navy Seabees Bridge is a steel arch bridge spanning the Connecticut River, connecting New Hampshire Route 9 to Vermont Route 9. The structure consists of two separate constructions: the 1937 steel arch bridge alongside a 2003 replacement featuring greater load capacity and wider deck space.
An original suspension bridge built in 1888 was destroyed by flooding in 1936, leading to the construction of a steel arch bridge in 1937. Nearly 70 years later, a second bridge with modern design was added in 2003 to accommodate growing traffic demands.
The bridge is named after the Navy Seabees, a specialized military unit known for their construction expertise. This naming reflects the historical connection between military engineering and civilian infrastructure development in the area.
The older and newer bridges sit side by side, allowing pedestrians and cyclists to use the less-traveled 1937 structure. The crossing connects two small communities and serves as part of the regional road network, making it convenient for travelers moving through the area.
Divers have documented remnants of the original suspension bridge from 1888 on the river bed below, providing a direct connection to the site's past. These underwater discoveries offer a surprising view of how the crossing has evolved over time.
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