The Highgate Falls Bridge was built in 1887 by the Berlin Iron Bridge Company. This 290-foot-long bridge is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and consists of a 70-foot-span, lenticular pony truss and a 220-foot-span, lenticular through truss. The bridge has been closed to traffic for about 20 years due to severe deterioration of the floor beams, stringers, and deck. RBA was selected by the Vermont Division for Historic Preservation to perform an in-depth structural inspection and evaluation of the bridge, and to develop rehabilitation plans to restore it as a pedestrian bridge. The restoration work was divided into two phases. The work under Phase I included removal of the existing deteriorated deck; repair and restoration of the stone masonry abutments and pier; repair of the trusses, hangers and floor beams; and replacement of the bridge bearings. A structural lifting design was developed, which enabled replacement of the bearings, and repair of the abutments and pier, without dismantling the truss. The design for the Phase II work was completed in 1997, and includes a new deck for pedestrian use, guide railing, and approach work.
