This project entailed the restoration of the 1856 covered bridge.  This is one of eight covered bridges in the state of Maryland and the first of several bridge restoration projects for Fitzgerald’s Heavy Timber Construction, Inc.  The project is unique because in 1992 after severe damage sustained by an oversize truck it was repaired in its entirety by volunteer local efforts donations.   The bridge, which spans Owens Creek, is a single-span bridge featuring a King Post design and measures 45 feet in length. Following an accident which severely compromised the bridges structural integrity, volunteers urged state and county agencies to repair the bridge. Work on the bridge included: Repairing three top transverse beams which were shattered in the collision; replacing six knee braces in the lateral bracing system; replacing one corner post measuring 10” square x 14’ tall; replacing the framing as well as all the trim in the portals; and repainting and priming the entire bridge the following spring.

Later in 1995, Fitzgerald’s Heavy Timber Construction, Inc. was hired again for additional maintenance.  Work included picking up the bridge, repairing all four corners by cutting both bottom cords, and splicing the old material with 4’-6’ of new material; providing modifications to stone work to allow for air space for timber preservation; and corrected the negative camber with adjustments in the new joinery.

FHTC again came to the aid of this bridge in 2009 by volunteering to install a new standing seam galvanized metal roof to replace the worn and damaged roofing surface.

Truck Damage -- 1992	New Tie, Braces, and Gable Framing
New Siding Protects the Framing	First Round of Repairs Complete
Kingpost Truss Joinery	Second Phase of Repairs Begins With Removal Of Deteriorated Lower Chord Ends
New Joinery Cut For Replacement Chord End	New Lower Chord Ends Installed
Splined Upper Chord Seat Repair	Two New Lower Chord Ends Installed -- Note Chain Rigging Passing Beneath Transverse Beam
Welding Repairs To Added Steel Floor Stringers	Nailing New Floor Planks Into Place
Roddy Road Covered Bridge, Thurmont, MD View of Restored Bridge At Completion	Kingpost Truss Framing -- Roof Repairs Under Way
Old Metal Coming Off	New Roof Installed

10801 Powell Road, Thurmont, Maryland 21788, USA

Phone: (301) 898-9340   |  Fax: (301) 898-9341

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