Schell Memorial Bridge

The Friends of Schell Bridge, Inc. is conducting a signature drive to gauge community support for rehabilitating the Schell Bridge in Northfield for pedestrian, recreational and emergency use.

Basically sound and restorable, the Schell Bridge will re-connect Northfield’s citizens to its rapidly disappearing heritage, to the scenicConnecticut River, to the new regional rail trail system, and to each other, reuniting as it will both halves of this enerable and unique town.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Where is the Schell Bridge?

The Schell Bridge is located at the end of East Northfield Road off Main Street on the east side of the river and, conversely, at the end of West Northfield Road off Mt Hermon Station Road on the west side. Currently, you can see the bridge from the state boat ramp off Route 63. Restoration plans call for a park to be built on the east side of the river that provides access from the boat ramp area to the bridge and another park to be constructed on the west end.

2. Why restore the bridge? Why not just let the state take it down?

Aside from its historical significance as one of the few remaining iron bridges of its kind anywhere in the country, Schell Bridge is part of a vision for improving river access for Northfield citizens, for recreation and enjoyment of the river in an unhurried, natural setting. It will provide the added peace of mind that comes from having better emergency egress for citizens on the west side of the river. Establishing a link to the new tristate rail trail initiative can also benefit the town economically. Finally, just because it is old does not mean the bridge should be done away with, as has been the fate of other historic local landmarks. Essentially sound, the Schell is worthy of restoration; the money and time it takes to restore it will continue to pay dividends to the town in numerous ways for years to come.

3. OK, what’s it going to cost me?

No local tax dollars will be sought for either the restoration or ongoing maintenance of the bridge. Friends of Schell Bridge, Inc. is committed to raising the necessary funds from state, federal and private sources to repair it and create an endowment for its future upkeep. Widespread community support will provide state and federal representatives with the evidence needed to obtain money at those levels and help Friends of Schell Bridge attract gifts and grants from the foundations, organizations and donors that fund historic preservation and trail access.

4. Will cars be able to drive across the bridge?

Not normally, but Friends of Schell Bridge proposes to make it accessible to emergency vehicles and have it included as part of the county’s emergency evacuation plans. The primary users will be pedestrians, bicyclists and, in winter, snowmobilers.

5. Will re-opening the bridge increase the town’s legal liability?

No more so than for other bridges in the town, such as the one on Route 10 and those across tributaries to the Connecticut river.

6. Will the bridge attract out-of-towners?

Hopefully so. By attracting bicyclists and other outdoor enthusiasts, as well as people with interests in Northfield’s history and architecture, the bridge will give the local economy a much needed boost. Bicycle enthusiasts tend to be older and have a relatively high per capita income; some of those funds very likely will be spent in Northfield. Because the bridge will be primarily a pedestrian way and bikeway, the ‘traffic’ should not be intrusive or even very noticeable.

7. How can I help?

TO INDICATE YOUR SUPPORT FOR RESTORING THE SCHELL BRIDGE, PLEASE: