Why did they make covered bridges in Vermont?

Pine Brook Covered Bridge Covered bridges were roofed and enclosed to protect the wooden structural elements from the weather, which in Vermont can be quite harsh. Little more than 100 covered bridges remain in the state, the result of expanding highway systems, intensive commercial development, and physical neglect.



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By the 1870s, most bridges were covered at the time of construction. The original reason for the cover was to protect the bridge's trusses and decks from snow and rain, preventing decay and rot.

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Although many states have modern, decorative covered bridges, there is at least one historical covered bridge still standing in 30 states. Pennsylvania has the most with 227, Ohio has 143, Vermont has 100 and Indiana has 93. READ MORE: Covered bridge trivia.

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Vermont is known for its scenic rolling mountains, quality skiing, organic locally produced food, and its open-minded culture. Known as the Green Mountain State, (Vermont translates to green mountain – ver mont- in French) Vermont provides an abundance of outdoor activities winter or summer.

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Most bridges were painted “barn red.” It would be great to say this was for safety or longevity reasons. But it is simply a cost-cutting measure. Barns, bridges, and other wooden structures were typically painted red in the 1800s because it was cheap to make.

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Today there are around 200 covered bridges, that remain in the state of Pennsylvania, and that includes 28 just in Lancaster County! While covered bridges are sometimes called “kissing bridges” the reason for the roofs is to protect the bridge's truss structure from all the weather conditions.

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