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.
FHWA also will research ways to improve load testing and treatment for preserving and restoring historic bridges. Bridges must be eligible under the National Register of Historic Places to receive funding. To see the list of grants awarded, go to www.fhwa.dot.gov/bridge/nhcbp/fy2009award.cfm.
