Owner:
Delaware County, New York

Contractor:
W.L. Kline, Inc.
Cortland, NY

Preliminary Design Engineer:
David Fichetti, P.E.
Cary, NC
Final Design Engineer:
Phillip C. Pierce, P.E.
Treadwell, NY

Project Description:

The Hamden Covered Bridge was built in 1859 by Robert Murray, using the truss configuration patented by Colonel Stephen Long. Aging and neglect led to the installation of a mid-span pile bent to provide auxiliary support of the 130-foot long bridge. Continued deterioration required a major rehabilitation of the structure.

The assignment involved a complete analytical evaluation of the structure and design of an extensive rehabilitation. The bottom chords were replaced with single piece glue-laminated chords and several of the truss web members were replaced with sawn timbers. The entire floor system was replaced and the overhead bracing was completely replaced with a much stronger system. The mid-span pile bent was removed to restore the bridge to its original single-span configuration. The original dry laid stone abutments were salvaged with replacement of the concrete caps.

The timber work was completed by late 2000.