SUBJECT: Opening Ceremony Held Today for Swanton Bridge and Pathway

Historic Truss Bridge Receives New Home

Swanton, Vt. – Governor Douglas today officially opened the newly rehabilitated Pennsylvania Through Truss Bridge in Swanton, marking the final step in the historic structure’s return to prominence. As part of the ceremony, the Governor also opened a new “Fit-and-Healthy” pathway that connects to the historic bridge.

Governor Jim Douglas was joined by Vermont Agency of Transportation Secretary David Dill, Health Commissioner Dr. Wendy Davis, Swanton Selectboard Chairman Harold Garrett, the Swanton Historical Society and a host of others to celebrate the bridge and path opening.

“Rehabilitating this bridge is particularly important because of its historical significance as it is one of only two such bridges in Vermont,” Governor Douglas said. “I want to thank the Agency of Transportation and the Town of Swanton for their collaboration and hard work on bringing this bridge back to life for future generations to admire.”

The vintage 1902 truss bridge was originally erected in Milton, but in 1994 Milton dismantled the bridge in favor of a modern structure. Being one of only two such bridges in the state, the Vermont Agency of Transportation worked to find it a new home. Swanton volunteered as it lost its historic covered train bridge in a fire during 1987. VTrans and the town worked together to reassemble the truss bridge at the same location where the historic train bridge was located, using the historic train bridge piers.

The nearly mile-long path was funded with the help of Northwestern Medical Center, which acquired a Fit and Healthy grant from the U.S. Health Department. The path links two schools and various ball fields in a way that allows bicycle and pedestrian access without the use of a roadway.

“Swanton is on its way to becoming one of Vermont’s healthiest communities,” Governor Douglas said. “Pathways like this one are critical to providing safe routes for our children to walk to school, our elders to reach popular municipal services, and for everyone to be able to enjoy the simple pleasures of their hometowns. Walking and bicycling are important components of Vermont’s transportation system and provide a healthy, non-polluting alternative to driving.”

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