NH Route 16 Bearcamp River Bridges
Bearcamp River Bridge & Bearcamp River Relief Bridge
Eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Two companion bridges on NH Route 16 in Ossipee were built in 1955. One bridge spans the Bearcamp River, the other bridge spans the Bearcamp River flood plain providing flood relief. These bridges have very distinct engineering characteristics that have helped to qualify them as eligible for the National Register of Historic Places.
Both bridges are now being replaced due to deterioration that has occurred over the past 64 years. This website celebrates the old and new bridges that will be constructed beginning in 2019.
Double Batter Pile Design
This unique design feature called for steel piles to be placed at opposing angles. The opposing angles provide increased lateral stability to the structure. Although double batter pile design is commonly used in bridge design, these piles are exposed all the way up to the pile cap as opposed to being ended below ground level with concrete pier on top.
To view the 1954 design plans for both bridges as well as additional historic information go to the Historic Documentation page of this website by clicking on the link below.
View of the steel piles placed at opposing angles. This specific design is a "double batter pile design" system.