Campers Through The Covered Bridge?? I Think Not

[Henry]

When I came home from Mass, there was a Vermont Vehicle towing a fairly good sized camper trailer stopped by the entrance to the Rec Park before the covered bridge.  I think they realized once they approached that they were on the wrong route.  I met a couple people walking back through the covered bridge, after apparently talking to Allan Boutin.  Someone else came walking down from Hunt Street to inform them not to go over the bridge.  The camper looked too high to go through.  Thank God they stopped.

Being a Vermont Vehicle, I assume they knew their way, but then again, Maybe Not??

[Margie]

Hi Henry -

I was planning to post something this morning about just this issue.  This morning Margo and I were out with our dogs and suddenly an 18 wheeler from Canada turned the corner of Maple Street in an attempt to head down the street.  Thankfully he hit his brakes quickly and then had to back up and turn around.  When I left for work, I looked for signs that might indicate IN ADVANCE about the bridge for the detour.  There are none.  The only signage is the "no truck traffic" sign at the end of Huntville Road.  I realize there are huge DOT signs at the Route 7 and 104A intersections saying the detour in to take Route 7 south, but if you have GPS, it will show you other options that are considerably shorter.

Who would we speak to about getting some sort of warning sign for the top of Hunt Street about the covered bridge??  We had a huge pickup with a flatbed on the back go thru the bridge over the weekend around 11 pm.  I happened to be out with the dog and heard the racket.  I thought for sure the truck damaged something in the bridge and sent Mike down to check it out.  Thankfully, there was no issue.  This time.

I know we probably only have 2 weeks or so left of the detour, but the longer this lasts, the less patient people are becoming.  I notice that every time I try to get into and out of my street.

[Henry]

I think if you call the Selectboard Administrator, Stacy Wells that she can get in contact with one of the Selectboard members at 849-6111.  I do notice quite a few tractor trailers going up by my house towards Fletcher and just assume they are trying to find a way to go somewhere.  Don't know where they originated.

[Rev. Elizabeth]

The signs  near 104A about the detour are less than helpful.    If you are unfamiliar with the area, they tell you virtually nothing.

 The 'no trucks' signs are no deterrent either, as I watched an 18 wheeler go rather fast down Boissoneault, and fortunately, the road wasn't too slick with mud, and there was no one on the bridge, so he was able to navigate it.

Very nicely, someone ( thank you!) cleared some of the brush over the bridge so the road is now visible from both directions.

[GamingWeasel]

That may have been me and my neighbor from across the street, Gretchen, who you saw talking to the camper owner, and then walking back through the bridge.  We did talk to someone on Sunday afternoon who had stopped before going through.  I live at 22 Maple (right next to the bridge), and it's been really crazy since the detour started.  At times when there is not much traffic, like late at night, some cars are going REALLY fast down Maple.  One car late last night sounded like it was going 50 miles an hour, with incredibly loud screeching tires.  Would it be possible to get a little bit of police presence at times to put a check on the crazier drivers?  Who should I contact?

[ohhman]

Even with postings on the detour, it is not marked very well at all!! Very interesting just now as Dale & I watched a FED EX TRACTOR TRAILER came down our road past school & as he hit the dirt road, guess he realized he'd gone the wrong way,  he began backing up the hill near the sewer treatment facility & continued backing all the way down to school.  Got even more intersting as he blew his horn; neighbor girl down the road going home maybe didn't see him backing & came up behind him a little too close/fast;  Tom, did you teach her to drive??? just kidding!  Everyone is right, it's week 2 & so far so good, but soooo many close calls down there.  Signs will help as not everyone reads Henry's site.....hard to believe but true!

[Stand Alone Defense]

I agree on the signs!!! I have had to escort 2 trucks up Huntville and down swamp road because they where stopped down by the town office.  Ran into one last night at 11pm on my way home work the guy was walking around looking for a way through.  With as much Semi traffic as fairfax gets I think the clear signs should have been a priority.

[Formerflatlander]

So with all the GPS technology currently out there, why don't they have a program that alerts truck drivers to getting around these construction projects?  I agree with the signs not helping the situation.  Our daughter called the first night on her way home thinking 104A was closed.  I did take the kids into school one morning and made sure I wouldn't do that again.  Everyone was courteous in regards to taking turns on the bridge, I'm just not used to all the traffic that the detour caused. 

[trussell]

Most GPS's have the ability to issue road closure and detours- but that's dependent upon the owners performing an update.  I have to admit, that I haven't done that on mine in at least 6 months, so I'm sure most people don't either.

[Margie]

If we are keeping track, this morning there was another huge truck stopped on Maple Street after realizing he couldn't fit thru.  He was able to back up, but I was shocked to see the first vehicle comimg up the hill once the big truck had moved.  It was one of those box vans for an electrician.  It had ladders on the top too.  I was shocked they fit thru.  Thankfully, they did.  I've seen trucks about that size try to go thru have damaged the rafter beams - and torn the roof off the trucks.

Here's hoping drivers know exactly how high their vans are...

[mrome]

When I moved in, I didn't realize Maple Street was going to turn into Main Street! I have gone out a couple of times to stop traffic on Hunt Street so oversized vehicles can back up Maple Street after realizing they couldn't continue over the bridge. Unfortunately, drivers who don't know the street don't know there is a covered bridge until they are right up to it. I sure am glad work on the 104 bridge is going smoothly and quickly.

Margo

[tfence]

Does any one realize the weight limit is 4 ton on the covered bridge. That is less than a fully loaded 3/4 ton (2500 series GVRW 9200 lbs) pick up truck. I see some structural damage to the bridge before the new one is complete.

[gkmcnall]

On my way home from work this afternoon, saw another Canadian camper turning onto Maple Street.  Better signage is a must.

[sue]

I hope all who are posting can appreciate what the residents on Main st. deal with everyday.  The speed the loud cars and trucks!!!!  We are enjoying a respit and it is a joy.   Cars and trucks and campers still go up and down Main @ the fast speeds..even with the workers present.  I hope nothing happens with the covered bridge too....I think the signs for trucks are ok...if people read them.  Just a few weeks left and all will be well for those on the detour route.  Just remember what it was like and be considerate of the residents on Main St..

[7F24]

"neighbor girl down the road going home maybe didn't see him backing & came up behind him a little too close/fast;  Tom, did you teach her to drive???"


 I can't wait for her to get home to ask about this....