New life for an Old bridge in Quebec...

I have come across yet another fine piece of Timber Frame Heritage Conservation within Canada...a very reputable timber framing Company out of Quebec, Hamlet Heavy Timberwork, is working to preserve a part of our Canadian built heritage. Check out their website and see some of the amazing work they have carried out.

This particular project centres around a timber structure called a Covered Bridge. A Covered bridge is a bridge with enclosed sides and a roof, often accommodating only a single lane of traffic. Most covered bridges are wooden; some newer ones are concrete or metal with glass sides. Mainly associated with the 19th century, covered bridges often serve as prominent local landmarks and have long attracted the attention of historical preservationists. The enclosure acts as weather protection over the working part of the structure. For example, a bridge built entirely out of wood, without any protective coating, may last just 10 to 15 years. Builders discovered that if the bridge's underpinnings were protected with a roof, the bridge could stand for 70 to 80 years or more.

Check out the video below to see Hamlet Heavy Timberwork as they provide new life for d'Eustis bridge (circa 1908) in Quebec. 

The video reflects both the importance of good Heritage Conservation as well as the need for us to preserve these old trades. Coming from the UK, I have done a little timber frame work myself and let me tell you, it's an art...just like many of the other trades of old. We must preserve these trades if we are to maintain and protect Canada's built heritage and teach the generations to come the value of true workmanship.