Historic NY covered bridge gets $2.6 million makeover

Updated Jul 11, 2017
Photo: New York State Covered Bridge Society.Photo: New York State Covered Bridge Society.

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced the completion of a $2.6 million makeover of a historic covered bridge near the Catskill Mountains, The Associated Press reports.

The 98-foot single-span bridge, which is located in Beaverkill Campground in Sullivan County, was originally built in 1865 by John Davidson and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Work on the bridge included replacing its wooden decking, siding, and roofing, and the replacement of some floor beams and supports. The bridge abutments were rebuilt using original stone to preserve the bridge’s historic look.

According to the news agency, Cuomo said the bridge is a “treasure,” and that its makeover will attract more visitors to the bridge, as well as to nearby recreational sites. The governor’s office said the state once had more than 250 covered bridges, but only 31 are still around.