Click on the image to go to a PDF file of the plan The Schell Bridge Strategic Plan is released.  In 2003 Schell Memorial Bridge was named by PreservatiON Mass as one of the ten most endangered historical landmarks in Massachusetts. Galvanized by this honor, Friends of Schell Bridge in 2004 formallyincorporated as a non-profit organization to save the bridge and to generate interest in rehabilitating the bridge for pedestrian and bicycle paths. Friends of Schell Bridge (FSB) contacted the Picker Engineering Program at Smith College for an independent assessment of the condition of the bridge. A senior student design team, working with two professional structural engineers from New York City evaluated and tested components of the bridge. Their detailed report in 2005 emphasized that the bridge structure, while some components needed to be replaced, was structurally sound and a good candidate for rehabilitation. In 2006, FSB spent significant energy in building community support. A petition circulated gathered 1400 supporters, including 700 in the small town of Northfield. In 2007, FSB successfully rallied voters to reverse a Select Board decision so that the Schell Bridge, eligible since 1982, will finally be nominated for the National Register of Historic Places. Following an informational meeting with the Massachusetts Highway Department in September 2006, FSB decided to develop a strategic plan to save the bridge as an historic treasure by highlighting the recreational, economic and environmental values of Schell Bridge for the twenty-first century. FSB has contacted Connecticut River conservation groups and has participated in meetings in the region to share information and to enlist assistance and support. This strategic plan represents an effort to share this vision with Northfield citizens, town officials, regional organizations, state and federal elected representatives, and national organizations who might want to become involved. You can click on the image above to get a 2 meg PDF file that you can print or just drop us a line at info@schellbridge.org and we'll mail one directly to you.