Sulphite Railroad Bridge

Sulphite Railroad Bridge
U.S. National Register of Historic Places
HABS/HAER photo, 2003
Location	Off US 3 over Winnipesaukee River, Franklin, New Hampshire
Coordinates
Area	0.3 acres (0.12 ha)
Built	1897 (1897)
Built by	Boston & Maine Railroad
Architectural style	Pratt truss
NRHP Reference #	75000130
Added to NRHP	June 11, 1975

The Sulphite Railroad Bridge, also known locally as the Upside-Down Covered Bridge is a historic railroad bridge in Franklin, New Hampshire. The bridge was built c. 1896-7 to carry the tracks of the Boston and Maine Railroad across the Winnipesaukee River between Franklin and Tilton. It is located about 0.7 miles (1.1 km) east of Franklin, and about 350 yards (320 m) south of US Route 3, and crosses the river at a point where its banks are quite steep; it is not readily visible from any roadway, but may be seen from the Winnipesaukee River Trail. The bridge is 234 feet (71 m) long, and consists of three spans, each supported by Pratt trusses resting on granite piers or abutments. The main central span measures 180 feet (55 m). The bridge is believed to be the only surviving "upside down" covered railroad bridge, in which the rail bed is laid on top of the bridge roof, whose purpose is to shelter the trusses below. The railroad line was shut down in 1973.

The bridge was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1975. The bridge is not in good condition, having been subjected to graffiti, vandalism, and arson, as well as the elements.

See also

• List of New Hampshire covered bridges
• List of bridges on the National Register of Historic Places in New Hampshire
• National Register of Historic Places listings in Merrimack County, New Hampshire

External links

• New Hampshire DHR page on the bridge