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This bridge is the only surviving example of a unique design of bridge designed by Fay, Spofford, and Thorndike. The larger and earlier example was the Lake Champlain Bridge, now demolished. The three central spans of the bridge are one of the earliest examples in the country of a design of bridge that was copied by a number of engineers in future bridge projects. The design features a deck truss that transitions into a through truss, using an arched shape. The specific design as seen here and later adapted by others does not include hangers, and can either be constructed to function, like the General Sullivan Bridge, in a hingeless format (continuous truss) or a hinged design (cantilever truss). These bridges are sometimes called "arched continuous trusses" or "arched cantilever trusses." However the theory and general design behind these varieties of bridges can be further adapted to allow the center portion of the truss to arch well above the roadway, and to connect to the roadway via hangers. This variation is called a "suspended-deck continuous truss" or "suspended-deck cantilever truss." Fay, Spofford, and Thorndike also built some of the earliest examples of suspended-deck truss bridges as well.
Given that this bridge is among the earliest surviving examples of its style, as well as an early surviving highway continuous truss, it is hard to understate the historic significance of this bridge. It is certainly among the most significant bridges in New Hampshire.
The General Sullivan Bridge has been bypassed by a modern bridge, however was left standing next to its replacement. There was serious concerns that despite this, the bridge was still at risk for demolition. However, a visit to the bridge in 2012 found that a large approach structure had been built to reach the northern end of the bridge, which was disconnected as part of the continuing project to provide a wider vehicular bridge next to the historic bridge. This substantial approach structure accommodates non-motorized traffic. It seems unlikely that the bridge currently faces demolition, if such expense went toward producing this new approach system. There is some cause for continuing concern however, since one of the southern approach spans is signed and partially fenced to limit the number of pedestrians on it, suggesting there is some form of deterioration on this particular span. It is hoped that the bridge will receive whatever repairs are needed to ensure this exceedingly significant historic bridge remains for decades to come.
Access this bridge from the north on Dover Point Road, where there is a small park from where you can both view and walk on the bridge and park your car.
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