The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) is taking steps to preserve historic bridges in the United States. The first of these is $9.4 million in grants to help rehabilitate and preserve 14 bridges in 10 states. Bridges tapped by the National Historic Covered Bridge Preservation Program range from unique construction techniques to the oldest covered bridge in one Oregon county. Additionally, the FHWA will research ways to improve load testing and treatment for preserving and restoring historic bridges.

FHWA to Preserve Historic Bridges Through Funding, Research

The Federal Highway Administration announced more than $9.4 million in grants under the National Historic Covered Bridge Preservation Program to rehabilitate and preserve 14 bridges in 10 states. The selection included the Blair Covered Bridge in Grafton County, N.H., which exemplifies one of the earliest examples of “pre-stressing” – a construction technique which allows a bridge to carry a greater load or span a greater distance – and the Layng Covered Bridge, one of the oldest covered bridges in Lane County, Ore.

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