Quechee Gorge Bridge, Steel arch bridge at Quechee Gorge, Vermont.
The Quechee Gorge Bridge is a steel arch bridge that spans across the 163-foot-deep gorge and carries traffic over the Ottauquechee River. Its construction uses three main sections and connects the canyon walls with recognizable steel framing that supports both vehicular and pedestrian movement.
The bridge was originally built in 1911 as a railroad crossing before being converted to carry road traffic in 1933. It holds the distinction of being Vermont's first functioning steel arch structure of its scale and design.
The bridge has shaped views of the gorge for over a century and remains a familiar landmark for people in the region. It shows how early engineering solutions became integrated into Vermont's landscape and continue to serve daily life.
Pedestrian walkways run along both sides of the roadway and allow you to cross on foot while watching the river below. Early mornings or late afternoons offer the best lighting conditions if you want to photograph the structure or observe the gorge details.
The arch structure uses a parabolic design that allowed engineers to build it evenly and stably without modern computer technology. This construction method was popular among early engineers because the mathematical principles were completely predictable.
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