The Keniston BridgeANDOVER COVERED BRIDGES
The Keniston Bridge
Today there are only two covered bridge remaining in Andover. Only one is still intact, the ANDOVER Keniston Bridge located South of U.S.,Route 4, one mile west of Andover Village on Lorden Road over the Blackwater River in Andover. This style of bridge is called Town lattice truss construction and was completed in 1882.
The original cost of the bridge was $745.57 and the structural characteristics are: The bridge is 64' 6" long with a clear span of 54' 2". It has an overall width of 18' 9" with a roadway width of 15' 10" and a maximum vertical clearance of 12' 0". It is partially sheathed on the sides and has a deep overhang reminiscent of rakish prow of a ship.
The bridge is posted for six tons and is maintained by the Town of Andover. The World Guide Number is 29-02-02. The New Hampshire Bridge Number is #15. The Keniston bridge was built by Albert R. Hamilton. The bridge's name came from a prominent family of that name who lived for many years in one of the old homesteads in town. The bridge has been damaged only once, in 1972, when ice tore of several planks. The bridge was rehabilitated by the town in 1981 at a cost of $80,000. During the rehabilitation process, the bridge was lifted by two cranes and moved to a temporary site only a few feet above the water level. The engineers had to work quickly make sure the abutment repairs were completed and the bridge relocated to its proper location before heavy rains and rising waters could carry it away. The Keniston Bridge is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The Cilleyville Bridge
This bridge is in the need of restoration and rebuilding. The Cilleyvillle bridge is located at the junction of N.H. Route 11 and NH Route 4A in Andover spanning Pleasant Brook. This style of bridge is also a Town lattice truss type that was constructed in 1887.
The original cost was $522.63. Its structural characteristics are 53' 0" long with a clear span of 47' 6". It has an overall width of 15' 9" with a roadway width of 12" 6 and a maximum vertical clearance 11' 0". The bridge was restricted to pedestrian traffic only.
This bridge is maintained by the Town of Andover. The World Guide Number: 29-07-01 The New Hampshire Bridge #16. It was built by a local carpenter by the name of Print Atwood. He was assisted by Al Emerson and Charles Wilson. Local folklore suggests that during construction, Emerson and Wilson became upset and cut some of the timbers short, causing the bridge to tilt. On the other hand, engineers might suggest that the tilt is caused by the very nature of the Town lattice truss design. The bridge was the last covered, and probably the shortest built in Andover. It was bypassed in 1959 and restricted to foot traffic. Located in the Cilleyville section of Andover, it was originally known as Bog Bridge. A Cilleyville Bridge was nearby, spanning the Blackwater River.
After it was torn down in 1908, the original Bog Bridge became known as the Cilleyville Bridge. The roof was reshingled in 1962 at a cost of $600. On March 9, 1982 the roof caved in from excessive snow load. The town repaired it in July 1982 for $3,400. The bridge was the model for the Shattuck murals of typical New Hampshire scenes which were once located in the State House in Concord. The Cilleyville Bridge is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
In November 1998 state inspectors found the bridge to be in danger of falling into Pleasant Stream, so emergency steps were taken to secure the bridge. Two 90' steel beams were threaded through the bridge opening and cross-beams were threaded through the lattice sides to take the weight off the falling bottom chords and abutments.
The total cost of restoring the bridge to its original condition and ensuring its preservation in the years to come is estimated at $150,000. It is closed, of course.
A Restoration Committee is actively involved in seeking financial assistance for the rebuilding of this bridge, from both the public and private sources. To lend your assistance send a donation to:
Cilleyville-Bog Bridge Restoration Fund,
P.O. Box 61, Andover, NH 03216-0061