December 2011, Pemi Wilderness Steel Bridge Removal Update – Along with the removal of the suspension bridge that crossed the East Branch of the Pemigewasset River along the Wilderness Trail in the Pemigewasset Wilderness, New Hampshire, a steel beam footbridge along the Wilderness Trail that crossed Black Brook was also removed.
Dismantling of the steel bridge took place in 2010 and the 0.7 mile of the Wilderness Trail in between the two bridges was also closed. This footbridge is not to be confused with the historic timber Trestle 16 of the East Branch & Lincoln Railroad, which is located next to the footbridge. The timber trestle will not be touched.
The two steel main support beams (above) are cut-up and ready to be removed, which will probably be during the winter months when non-motorized equipment (possibly sleds) can be used. The bridge is located within a designated wilderness area and is goverened under the New Hampshire Wilderness Act of 1984, which requires the use of hand tools and non-motorized equipment during the removal process.
There is less material to deal with than the suspension bridge and being located on a flat and straight trail should make debris removal easier than from the suspension bridge site where workers, with loaded sleds, had to negotiate hills, gullies, and turns along the trails. Even though the site looks to be untouched, many will be happy to know material has been taken away. You can see more images of the steel beam site here.
It should be interesting to watch the progress of both these projects over the winter months. Do you think the removal of debris will be completed by spring of 2012?
Happy image making..
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Owner of ScenicNH Photography LLC
Erin Paul is a professional photographer, writer, and author who specializes in environmental conservation and historic preservation photography mainly in the New Hampshire White Mountains. His work is published worldwide, and publication credits include: Appalachian Mountain Club, Appalachian Trail Conservancy, Backpacker Magazine, and The Wilderness Society.
Just a update on the Pemi Wilderness steel bridge removal in New Hampshire. http://t.co/CNEvAf33