Plans to protect the Millers Run Covered Bridge are finally moving forward

Plans to protect the Miller’s Run Covered Bridge are finally moving forward. The Select Board on Friday agreed to proceed with plans to install crash barriers on either side of Miller’s Run Covered Bridge. Techno Metal Post of Montpelier is slated to do footings and foundations in late September, and the steel barriers would be fabricated and attached at a later date. According to the Select Board, the project is expected to cost roughly $60,000, double the amount set aside for it.  Despite the cost overrun, the Select Board said the job could be completed without further taxpayer impact. The steel barriers were conceived two and a half years ago to prevent vehicles that exceed the 11-foot-9 height limit from hitting the historic 146-year-old span. The bridge has been struck repeatedly over the years, including at least four times in 2023. If built, the barriers would continue town efforts to protect the Miller’s Run Covered Bridge, also known as the Bradley Covered Bridge, which dates back to 1878.  The Select Board also increased fines for height and weight violations at Miller’s Run Covered Bridge to $5,000 (first offense), $10,000 (second offense), and $15,000 (third offense) in 2021. Plans to add surveillance cameras to capture offenders’ license plates have also been considered.