Bridge Rebuilt at Wilder

Thanks to Cindy Ayotte and the Bolton Conservation Trust, the bridge on the Old Lancaster Railway was replaced in May and June 2026. The previous wooden structure had been in place for many years, but during a storm a large birch tree fell over and caused serious damage. The tree was removed and some temporary repairs were made, but the remaining structure was considered to be unsafe for the long term.

A team from the Trails Committee worked with Bob Hatch and Stephanie Frend to propose a replacement similar to the “High Bridge” at the Moen Conservation Area that had been built in late 2024.

The materials were ordered, environmental approvals obtained and all was ready for installation in late May 2026. This was a good time because the weather was suitable for the task and the ground below the bridge was dry. A team of volunteers was assembled and over a period of two weeks the old bridge was dismantled, removed, and the new fiber reinforced polymer structure was assembled.

Bob and Steph. led the team. Among the volunteers were Drew Schaubhut, Larry Kunz, Dan Cohen, Tom Mahoney, Keith Silver, Randy Batson and Gordon Taylor.

The Town of Bolton and The Bolton Conservation Trust are very grateful to Cindy for her generous donation that made this project possible.

Photos by Dan Cohen, Drew Schaubhut, Gordon Taylor and Stephanie Frend.