HINSDALE, N.H. (WCAX) – The first new bridge built over the Connecticut River in the last two decades is now open. With a quick snip of the scissors, the 1,800-foot General John Stark Memorial Bridge linking Hinsdale, New Hampshire, and Brattleboro opened to pedestrians Tuesday.
Cal Heile of Guilford was one of the first members of the public to walk across the new bridge. “I love the idea of being able to walk across a bridge before it is open. That, to me, is what a thrill,” Heile said.
The bridge on Route 119 replaces two older bridges that were in need of serious repairs. But it also solves a big problem on the Brattleboro side. “I think just the sense of connection,” said Rep. Molly Burke/D-Brattleboro.
The new bridge bypasses a busy intersection in Brattleboro and goes over the railroad tracks, allowing vehicles to continue unimpeded when a train is rolling through town.
“Traffic would back up in Brattleboro, traffic would back up in New Hampshire. Emergency vehicles couldn’t get through during the time when the train was coming through,” Burke said.
Convenience, economic activity, and a better view are all getting a boost with the new bridge. “It’s really a central bridge for all of New England,” said Gov. Chris Sununu/R-New Hampshire, one of several officials from both states celebrating the new span. “It really drives economic dollars, jobs, workforce opportunity, you know having the partnership.”
Plans are in the works about what to do with the two old bridges. A pedestrian trail and outdoor recreation space are among the options being discussed.
“It is going to make it so much easier for people to move back and forth. I mean, it was scary on those bridges when big trucks would come,” Heile said.
The $77 million bridge will be officially open to cars in the next day or so.