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Utica Covered Bridge

Thurmont, Maryland

The work on this project consisted of restoration of this ca. 1850 covered bridge over Fishing Creek.  The original 200 plus-foot long Burr arch truss bridge spanned the nearby Monocacy River, but was washed away in a flood in 1889 and was rebuilt in its present location by volunteers.  In 1991, the bridge was again debilitated when it was damaged by a vehicle exceeding the size limits.  In the company of Dean Fitzgerald and the Frederick County Covered Bridge Preservation Society, a group of volunteers to have the bridge restored.  In 1996 the contract to fully restore the bridge was awarded to the contracting team of Arnold M. Graton and Asssociates, Dean Fitzgerald Heavy Timber Construction and DCF Engineering.  Restoration of the bridge included lifting the bridge; replacing all the cord and arch members that bear on the abutments, major improvements to the stone abutments, modifications to stone work to allow for air space so as to promote timber preservation; repair rotten bottom cords; removal of the siding and reinstall 80% of the original siding after re-painting installed newroof; and replaced steel stringer beams with new I-beams. 

Click on images below to view at larger size.


View from Western Approach Before Repairs

View from Western Approach Before Repairs
During Stabalization Phase of Bridge Restoration

During Stabalization Phase of Bridge Restoration
Detail of Bridge Supports During Construction Phase

Detail of Bridge Supports During Construction Phase
Utica Covered Bridge During Construction

Utica Covered Bridge During Construction