Gap Mountain Bridge Work

Alan Cort, Walter Weeks and Hiel Lindquist completed some much needed bridge work on the trail to the North Peak of Gap Mountain this week.  The bridge was over a small stream on the side trail from Old Mill Road.  This trail receives quite a bit of foot traffic as it is used as the main hiking trail to the top of Gap Mountain by visitors at East Hill Farm in Troy.  Although there is no water in the brook at the moment, there is a wide span to cross when there is high water.

We had originally planned to replace this bridge next year but closer inspection showed it was beyond repair and need to be replaced sooner rather than later.

A "before" picture showing the rotten, moss covered planks

The material for the new bridge was delivered during Mondanock Trails week (thanks Wendy and crew, for lugging the material to the trail head !).

Walter Weeks cutting up the old stringers.  They were just about rotted through in several places.

Sizing up the new stringers on the new foundation.

Alan working on the decking.

Alan and Walter admiring the completed job.

Walter and Hiel ready to call it a day and head home.  Three hours work and done before 11:00 AM !