The Windham County Natural Resources Conservation District recently completed a significant restoration and mitigation project at the Dummerston Covered Bridge. Built in 1872, the bridge holds the title of being the longest covered bridge entirely within Vermont, making it both a historic and popular landmark.
In partnership with Fitzgerald Environmental Associates, the Dummerston Conservation Commission, and the Town of Dummerston, Windham County NRCD worked to address ongoing environmental issues at the site. Flooding and severe weather had caused significant erosion, undermining the steps that provide public access to the river near the bridge and creating a gully at the site, creating both water quality concerns and a loss of safe public access.
To mitigate these issues, the Windham County NRCD implemented several measures to restore and protect the site. One of the primary components of the project was the installation of new timber infiltration steps, designed to direct stormwater runoff more effectively. Additionally, a small rain garden and an infiltration basin were installed to intercept stormwater before it reaches the steps, helping to reduce erosion and prevent further damage. These features work together to both restore the accessibility of the site and protect the surrounding area from future stormwater damage.
Design work was funded by Mount Ascutney Regional Commission and implementation funding was provided by Watersheds United Vermont. Windham County NRCD worked with Slate Rock Timber LLC to implement these water quality improvements. The successful completion of the project not only preserves the historic Dummerston Covered Bridge, the longest covered bridge entirely within the state, but also enhances the long-term resilience of the site.
Photo: Restored steps at Dummerston Bridge. Photo by Windham County NRCD.