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Hartland Covered Bridge

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description Hartland Covered Bridge Overview

The Hartland Covered Bridge is a historic wooden bridge spanning the Saint John River in the town of Hartland, New Brunswick, Canada. Completed in 1901 as an open-air structure, the bridge was covered in 1922 to protect its timber framework from severe local weather. Measuring 391 meters (1,284 feet) in length, the structure is widely recognized as the longest covered bridge in the world. It continues to serve as a functional transportation route for vehicular traffic and is a designated National Historic Site of Canada.

help Hartland Covered Bridge FAQ

Can cars still drive through the Hartland Covered Bridge?

Yes, the Hartland bridge remains a working road crossing over the Saint John River, with a separate walkway for pedestrians. Drivers pass through its enclosed wooden structure in one direction at a time.

Why was the Hartland bridge covered after it was built?

The bridge opened in 1901 but did not receive its wooden enclosure until 1922. Covering protected the timber trusses and deck from New Brunswick's rain, snow, and ice, extending the structure's useful life.

Is Hartland really the world's longest covered bridge?

It is widely recognized as the world's longest existing covered bridge, measuring about 391 meters or 1,282 feet. Its seven connected spans cross the Saint John River in Hartland, New Brunswick.

What type of structure supports the Hartland Covered Bridge?

The bridge uses a multi-span Howe truss system, combining diagonal wooden members with vertical iron rods. That design allowed the unusually long 1901 crossing to carry road traffic across seven spans.

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