Historic Regional Link Re-imagined
Editor: Allison Braswell

A vision for the future of New Hampshire and Vermont's shared infrastructure has been under discussion for nearly three decades. Now, it is finally coming to life. Since June 2021, NHDOT has been leading long-awaited replacement and repurposing efforts for two deteriorating spans of the 200-year-old, 8-lane bridge that carries traffic between Hinsdale, NH and Brattleboro, VT over the Connecticut River. A new, wider single-span bridge will replace the two older spans, reducing congestion when traveling over the state border. This $61.2 million project also calls for the relocation of the existing bridges for use by bicyclists, canoeists, and people looking for a quiet place along the river. 

As the general contractor of the project, Reed & Reed, Inc. of Woolwich, ME needed the highest quality pile driving equipment to install piles for the bridge's seven piers. With this in mind, Reed & Reed turned to the experts at International Construction Equipment, Inc. to determine the best driving method for the job. The crew started by constructing a temporary trestle to gain access to six of the seven underwater piers. They utilized the ICE® 33 Vibratory Hammer for driving 30" (in)-diameter pipes. Using the tremie method, the ICE® HB55 Hydraulic Rotary Head then drilled out the pipes so that concrete could be poured underwater. 

The anticipated completion date is set for late 2024. The Hinsdale and Brattleboro communities expect to see increased economic growth as their connectivity improves. The better access between the two towns will encourage civic improvement projects such as landscaping and sidewalk expansion on the Brattleboro riverfront, attracting more small business owners and their potential customers. Residents look forward to new recreational opportunities like small concerts or exhibits by the river. ICE® is grateful to supply Reed & Reed with the vibratory equipment necessary to correct structural deficiencies of this historical passageway and give new life to its old structures.

Learn more about the ICE® 33 and the ICE® HB-55.