Historic Swanzey, NH, Bridge for Sale

Historic Bridge for Sale

The Town of Swanzey, NH announces that the Christian Hill Road Bridge over the Ashuelot Rail Trail (State Bridge No. 098/122) is available for sale. 

Details:

o Purpose: for Re-use 
o County: Cheshire
o Road: Christian Hill Road
o Features Crossed: Ashuelot Rail Trail
o Other Location Information: Located in West Swanzey on Christian Hill Road approximately 300’ east of the intersection with Main Street
o Latitude/Longitude: 42.870119, -72.322632 (42°52'12.4" N 72°19'21.5"W)
o Structure Number: 025100980012200
o Year Built: 1930 

Bridge Information:

o Owner: Town of Swanzey 
o Type: Three Span Timber Stringer Bridge supported by granite block abutments and timber pier bents
o Length: span lengths are approximately 24’-8” each, the total bridge length is 74’
o Width: bridge deck has an out-to-out width of approximately 21’, the travel way between the timber curbs is 14’-10”, and a 4’-3” wide timber sidewalk is located on the south side of the bridge 
o Current Live Load Carrying Capacity: None. It was closed to vehicular traffic in 2014, however, it remains open for pedestrian use only. 
o History of Modifications: 1960

The bridge is available for inspection since it is located on public property, however, it is noted that the condition of the structure precludes access by vehicles. This sale is “AS IS, AS SHOWN”

Minimum Bid: $1.00 and shall include a proposal describing in detail how the bridge would be removed, moved, re-used and preserved.

Bridge History:

The Christian Hill Road Bridge is a three-span timber stringer bridge supported by granite block abutments and timber pier bents. Given the bridge retains integrity of design, materials and workmanship and the historic significance of its design, this structure has been determined to be individually eligible for the National Register of Historic Places. The Christian Hill Road Bridge is also a contributing element to the West Swanzey Village Historic District and is one of the few remaining timber stringer bridges of this type in New Hampshire. This is an opportunity to own a rapidly dwindling, but very important, rare resource.

Preservation and Sale Information: 

Ownership transfer for the re-use of the bridge will require the use of restrictive preservation and maintenance covenants lasting for ten years to ensure the long-term protection of the character-defining features of the bridge. The award will not be dependent on the highest bid but will be based on the applicant’s plan for moving the historic bridge and the future use that most satisfactorily meets the Secretary of the Interior’s “Standards for rehabilitation and Guidelines for Rehabilitating Historic Buildings.” If there are no offers or proposals for use of the Christian Hill Road Bridge by the bid due date specified herein, the bridge superstructure and substructure will be re-used to replace a crossing on the Ashuelot Rail Trail that was washed out as a result of a flooding event.  

The Town of Swanzey, NH will accept proposals at the at the Town offices located at 620 Old Homestead Highway, Swanzey, NH 03446 until 2:00 PM on November 22, 2024 to the attention of the Town Administrator. Please forward any questions or inquiries to Michael Branley, Town Administrator, (603) 352-7411 ext. 107. 

Bids will be publicly opened and read aloud. The Town and State will not accept responsibility for any reason if the bid items are not received by the specified time and date. The Town and State will not determine the successful bidder until all submitted proposals are reviewed. All bidders will be notified of results within two (2) weeks after bid opening.

More information at:  https://cms8.revize.com/revize/swanzeynh/Document%20Center/RFP/2024/2024-10-16%2041403%20Swanzey%20Bridge%20Sale%20RFP.pdf