Braley Covered Bridge, Randolph Vermont

Date added: October 01, 2022 Categories: Vermont Bridges Covered Bridges Multiple Kingpost Truss
South elevation and east portal (1973)

The Braley Covered Bridge is one of three covered wood bridges remaining in the town of Randolph. The Braley bridge and the nearby Gifford bridge are unique among the covered bridges in Vermont: their multiple kingpost trusses rise only half the height of the side walls in contrast to the full height of that truss type in applications to other bridges. The half-size trusses suggest that the bridges were built originally without roofs and were covered later, possibly in 1909 in the case of the Braley bridge.

The Braley Covered Bridge consists of a single span supported by two flanking timber multiple kingpost trusses. The trusses rise only half the height of the side walls; the upper walls are framed in post-and-beam construction. Two steel beams have been placed longitudinally under the timber deck beams for reinforcement. The structure rests on abutments built of irregular stone laid dry.

The Braley bridge is 39 feet long at floor level. The ends of the side walls flare outward to meet the gable ends which overhang the floor three feet at each portal. The bridge is 17, feet wide and has a 14-foot roadway. The wood floor consists of planks laid flat and perpendicular to the trusses.

On the exterior, the heavy timbers pegged together to form the trusses (and side walls) of the bridge are sheathed with flush boards hung vertically and painted red. There are no windows or openings in the side walls. The gable ends are also sheathed with flush boards hung vertically and painted red. The portal openings are rectangular except for rounded upper corners. The medium-pitch gable roof is covered with corrugated metal sheeting.

Braley Covered Bridge, Randolph Vermont West portal (1973)
West portal (1973)

Braley Covered Bridge, Randolph Vermont South elevation and east portal (1973)
South elevation and east portal (1973)