Loy's Station Covered Bridge
Thurmont, MarylandThis project entailed restoration/reconstruction of this ca. 1880 bridge spanning Owens Creek. The 90 foot long and 12.5 foot high bridge utilizes a multiple king post truss system. Unfortunately, in 1991, the bridge was severely damaged by arson and required expert assistance for rebuilding. As such, many local citizens, under the leadership of Dean Fitzgerald, formed the Frederick County Covered Bridge Preservation Society. The society along with a following of volunteers assisted in the restoration which consisted of: cleaning timbers for reuse; salvaging and reusing timbers primarily as diagonal braces in trusses; re-milling original material for reuse as knee braces and rafters; installation of wood shingle roof; treating the entire surface with a non-toxic fire retardant; installation of discrete lighting system; installation of Protectowire fire detection system; and lobbying to have dry hydrants installed at all of the county’s covered bridges.
Click on images below to view at larger size.
Fire Damage to Bridge During Demolition Phase |
View of Interior Bridge Supports During Restoration |
Loy's Station Covered Bridge, Thurmont, MD -- View of Bridge After Completion |