The Waitsfield Covered Bridge is the oldest operating covered bridge remaining in Vermont. A cantilever sidewalk was added to the downstream side of the bridge circa 1940 and over time the sidewalk led to asymmetrical loading on the bridge and racking of the downstream truss. D&K designed improvements to the bridge to reduce or minimize the undesirable loading condition and still maintain pedestrian access across the bridge. In May 2015 construction commenced on the project. The existing sidewalk has been removed, abutments have been widened, and wingwalls have been extended. Additionally, Bridge Street between the Covered Bridge and VT Route 100 has been completely reconstructed including new drainage facilities, sidewalks, curbing, and street lighting. The new pedestrian bridge is scheduled to be installed in early October, with all work being completed several weeks later.
