Built by Herman Marcy in 1850 at a cost of $2,721, the original Smith Road Covered Bridge was a one-lane, patented, Long-truss structure with added arches clear-spanning 140.5 feet. The bridge was repaired several times, most recently in 1971, and then closed in May 1991, due to further deterioration. The bridge was tragically destroyed by fire on April 16, 1993. At the request of the Town of Plymouth, the New Hampshire Department of Transportation agreed to replace the bridge with another covered bridge. RBA was selected as subconsultant to design the new covered bridge to replicate the original in structure type (Long trusses with arches). However, the new bridge will be two lanes wide and designed for a clear span of 150 feet and an HS20 (36-ton) live load. The new bridge will also have a cantilevered sidewalk on one side for pedestrians and snowmobiles. Design was completed in January 1999, for construction in 1999-2000.
