Monday, December 28, 2009

Bang, Bang,...The Bridge is Dead!...

Which 'ole bridge, ... the Champlain Bridge!

Shortly after 10 a.m. this morning the 80 year-old bridge descended into the history books. In 1929 the NY governor, Franklin D. Roosevelt, was on hand to share in the dedication of the bridge. There was a parade with bands, floats, and many dignitaries. Until this past October the bridge continued to link the two states of Vermont and New York.

Vermonters drove to Ticonderoga, NY, to work at International Paper and New Yorkers drove to various jobs in Vermont. One farmer on the Vermont side owns land on both sides of the lake. The bridge closing has been a hardship on everyone. Kudos to those that have worked so hard to keep ferries going as winter deepens upon us.

So with a bang that was heard at my home miles away, it is now gone. If you want to view the demolition visit the NYS Department of Transportation website.

Goodbye old friend, you served us well until you were just too unsafe to continue. We look forward to the replacement due to be open for the summer of 2011.

11 comments:

Char said...

it always makes me sad when pieces of history are gone.

Betsy Banks Adams said...

Hi Cedar, I know there comes a time when all things must die--but it is kinda sad to lose that old bridge.

I just love to see renovations done to old places (including old homes, etc.) rather than so many newer, more modern things... Showing my age I guess!!! Ha
Hugs,
Betsy

Bren Haas said...

I do believe I saw this on Fox News today. IT is sad to see a piece of history go away but I hope they build a new / strong brings for new memories to be made!

Erica Houskeeper said...

Hi Cedar,

It was really something to see the bridge come down today. I watched it online and wondered about all of the people who came out in the snow today to watch the demolition. It's sad to see a part of our history gone, but it will be good to have a new bridge in place in 2011. Happy Holidays!

Anonymous said...

That made the TV news here today! It's too bad it couldn't be made to last until the new one is complete. Transportation must be a real mess there in the mean time.

Yolanda said...

I saw this one the news. I am reading a series of mystery novels set in your area by Julie t Fleming and it depicts your area as being so beautiful as I am sure it is. I hope you have a wonderful 2010.

Carolyn said...

It's always sad when history is demolished. I am with Betsy in that I love to see care taken in renovating old things. We seem to be such a disposible society now.
Sad day!
Blessings

Anonymous said...

I watched some video earlier today - it certainly came right down. Sad to loose the old girl. Really weird that FDR was the Gov back then. Best to be safe, but sorry to see it go.

Beth Niquette said...

My goodness...that is SO sad! I love old bridges...But then one has something new to look forward to, as well as the demolition adventure.

So here's a Happy New Year to you, dear girl! I pray your coming year will be filled with amazing adventures, laughter and joy! May you have strength through the hard times and peace throughout the new year.

A New England Life said...

Spring 2011? That's a long ways away! Talk about a hardship!

Here's hoping the next bridge lasts much longer.

Bren Haas said...

ahhh.... sleepy kitty! I am not much of a nap person but I could totally curl up with that kitty today. I went for another walk in the woods with my kitty - who doesn't nap much but waits by my window for me to come join him in the snow!

Happy New Year Garden Friend!