Riverwalk Pedestrian Bridge Wins Award

     North Conway, New Hampshire – September 22, 2005,  H.E. Bergeron Engineers (HEB) of North Conway is pleased to announce that the Riverwalk Pedestrian Bridge in Littleton, New Hampshire has won an Award of Merit in the pedestrian category of the 2004-05 National Timber Bridge Awards program.
     The Riverwalk Bridge was among several timber bridges in five categories that were recognized by the latest National Timber Bridge Awards program sponsored by APA, the American Institute of Timber Construction, the U.S. Forest Service Wood in Transportation Program, and the Federal Highway Administration. The awards program recognizes the role of efficient and innovative timber bridges in upgrading the nation’s bridge infrastructure.
    Designed by HEB and constructed by Winterset Construction of Lyndonville, VT, the Riverwalk Bridge is one of the longest covered bridges in New Hampshire. It’s design uses new materials to replicate an historic bridge, while using the efficiency of modern day materials and construction techniques. A Warren Truss design spanning 352 feet, it was designed to provide pedestrian access from the downtown to the Grist Mill area and to complete the Riverwalk Pathway. The piers are cast-in-place concrete with form lines to replicate cut-granite stone. They support three spans – two 126 feet and one 100 feet – comprised of Douglas Fir glulam top and bottom chords. The Warren Truss is made up of isosceles triangles formed by web members connecting the top and bottom chords.  Half-height timber siding and exposed metal-plate fasteners portray a contemporary look. The portals at each end, while elegant, also display the bridge’s simplicity. The roof is standing-seam sheet metal resembling period roofing.
     “It is wonderful to have our work recognized and honored by our peers, and we are honored to receive this award,” states Ed Bergeron, HEB president and design engineer.