VTrans Says, Without Well-Funded Project, Scott Bridge Won't Reopen

(Host) Vermont transportation officials say a 19^th century covered bridge in southern Vermont can't be reopened without a well-funded repair project that would ensure its safety.

Transportation Secretary Brian Searles says the Scott Bridge in Townshend has been patched several times over the years, and last week the Vermont Agency of Transportation decided to close the covered bridge to all traffic, including pedestrians.

(Searles) "What we found in the last inspection, which was just two weeks ago which we repeated again last week, is that the super structure of this bridge is now deteriorated to the point that an event could actually cause it to come down."

(Host) The bridge is known primarily as a tourist destination. It had been used as a school bus stop following Tropical Storm Irene.

VTrans says it will work with the Vermont Division for Historic Preservation, which owns the bridge, to develop a plan and raise funds to make the necessary repairs.