Covered Bridge

There once was a steel and concrete bridge spanning the Squam River on River Street.  After the State condemned the bridge a proposal was made to build a two-lane steel bridge for this site. The citizens of Ashland, however, decided they would prefer a one lane covered bridge. 

At the 1988 town meeting, the town voted to place $35,000 in a fund earmarked for building a new covered bridge. The balance of funds needed for this project were raised by the Squam River Covered Bridge Committee of the Ashland Historical Society. Additional funds were raised through special events such as bake sales and dinners, but the bulk of the money came from direct contributions from over 500 donors.   

In 2021 the Spera and White families spearheaded another fund-raising in order for repairs and improvements to be made to the bridge.  Between monetary and material donations, over $40,000 was raised.  In January 2022 Arnold Graton and Associates completed the work.    

The bridge was constructed by Milton Graton and Sons. It was officially dedicated on July 1, 1990. The Squam River covered bridge was constructed in a manner which replicates the traditional style of covered bridges. In 2040 it will be eligible to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places.   

Year of Construction: - 1990   Original Cost: - Approximately $200,000   Style-Characteristics: Town lattice truss. The bridge is 61'0" long with a clear span of 25'9". It has an overall width of 23'6" with a roadway width of 14'0" and a maximum vertical clearance of 14'1". There is a sidewalk on the Little Squam side of the bridge. The bridge is posted for ten tons.