Operation Bridge Rescue

Covered bridges were once a common sight in America, a means of linking a young nation's growing communities. Today, less than 1,000 remain—victims of fire, floods, neglect, and "progress." In August 2011, Hurricane Irene swept central New York state's Blenheim covered bridge off its abutments, smashing it to pieces. But the residents of the county of Schoharie weren't ready to give up their landmark, so they raised almost $7 million to build an exact replica. Filmmaker Joby Lubman’s PBS-aired NOVA documentary traces the arduous, time-consuming process of rebuilding the bridge over the same spot as the previous structure. Blenheim was a rare surviving example of a two-lane—or "double-barrel"—covered bridge, and it was also the longest single-span covered bridge at that time. Although the bridge had been closed to vehicular traffic for decades, local residents cherished its history and heritage. A team of specialized covered bridge restoration experts was tasked with rebuilding the bridge as authentically as possible, and moving it to its former position before spring rains threatened to sweep the timbers off the flood plain. Some changes had to be made, with Douglas fir replacing the original spruce wood. A temporary roadway was built over the creek, and a specialized mover placed the 226-foot bridge—mastering a tricky turn—a bit higher over the creek to avoid future floods. With luck, it should be good for another 100 years. Featuring testimony from bridge builders, local historians, and residents, this tribute to historical preservation is recommended. Aud: C, P. (S. Rees)