Here you see a detour to a temporary bridge that takes us on a poignant ride over the Blue Hill Falls. The last remnants of the beloved original bridge were swept away yesterday, when this image was taken. In its place, you see that wooden-staked construction platform from which a new bridge will start to be constructed next year.
The original bridge was officially named Stevens Bridge, but usually was called The Falls Bridge, Reversing Falls Bridge, or some variation of those. It was historic, one of two bridges in the State technically designated as “Concrete-Tied Rainbow Through Arch Fixed Bridges.” (The Rainbow reference was to the shape of their two arches.)
The Falls Bridge was a delightful combination of rough, weather-beaten material and graceful design that spanned a beautifully turbulent stretch of water. It’s arches cast wonderful shadows and reflections. Here, in her memory, are some images from my Archives, including some taken from a helicopter for an article:
The Falls Bridge started to deteriorate slowly the day that it was finished in 1926 and recently got to the point where patching and shoring were not helping. It was decided that restoration to its original form would be too expensive and that replacement with a contemporary-style flat (arch-less) bridge was the prudent thing to do. (First image taken in Blue Hill, Maine, on December 27, 2022.)