TOWN OF ROCKLAND, NY — The historic Beaverkill Covered Bridge on Campsite Road is open again. A $2.6 million project rehabilitated the aging structure, located within the state-owned Beaverkill Campground, to improve safety and access for vehicles and pedestrians.

Work on the project started in the summer of 2015. Extensive repairs were made to the one-lane bridge, including full replacement of the timber decking, roofing and siding, and replacement of selected floor beams, roof rafters and support members as necessary. The abutment on the eastern side of the bridge was reconstructed to replicate the original stone approach ramp. The western abutment was resurfaced with stone from the eastern approach ramp in order to replicate the original stone wall appearance. As part of the project, a walkway underneath the bridge—located between the eastern pier and abutment—was widened. One of the bridge piers was repaired.

The bridge will no longer close during winter months, maintaining year-round access for vehicles and pedestrians, with a three-ton limit. Beaverkill Campground is owned by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), which provided funding for the rehabilitation project. The bridge links the main campsite to a shower area and day-use picnic space.

The New York State Department of Transportation worked closely with the DEC, State Historic Preservation Office and John H. Adams, co-founder of the Natural Resources Defense Council and chair of the Open Space Institute Board of Trustees, as well as with Friends of Beaverkill Community, Sullivan County and the Town of Rockland in order to comprehensively address the bridge’s structural needs while restoring its historic character.

The Beaverkill Covered Bridge was built in 1865 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. New York State was once home to more than 250 covered bridges. Today, only 31 remain.