Live Waitsfield Covered Bridge Webcam

More info: The Waitsfield Covered Bridge which was built in 1833, spans the Mad River and is one of the oldest covered bridges in Vermont. It is a single-span Burr truss structure with the longest clear span of any Burr truss bridge in Vermont.

The basic structure of the Waitsfield Covered Bridge remains intact, but much of the flooring and braces were replaced in the 1970s. A pedestrian walkway, part of the original design that had been removed, was also rebuilt at that time. The bridge continues to provide a vital function in transporting citizens and visitors to Waitsfield over the Mad River.

The covered bridges of Vermont are among its most cherished and symbolic historic resources. The Waitsfield Covered Bridge is one of two remaining covered bridges in the village – the other being the Pine Brook. They are part of the widespread construction of covered bridges on Vermont's public highways from around 1820 to 1904. Covered bridges were roofed and enclosed in order to protect the wooden structural elements from the harsh weather.

Little more than 100 covered bridges remain in the state, the result of expanding highway systems, intensive commercial development, and physical neglect. Still, Vermont has the greatest concentration of covered bridges in the country, and in the recent past has become dedicated to their preservation. Vermont law now protects all covered bridges.