The new bridge over the Whetstone near the old Creamery Bridge is now open for traffic.



Director of Public Works Steve Barrett was pleased with the new bridge.




The new lanes are narrow, and drivers are cautioned to go slowly. There are new speed limit signs and places to stop.




New postcard views of the covered bridge available to photographers.



At noon, Police Chief Wrinn removed the barriers to allow the first vehicle - a Brattleboro Fire Truck - to cross.



In Thailand, they sometimes use elephants to demonstrate the strength of a new bridge. In Brattleboro, we use Fire Trucks. Our little cars should have no problems.



In addition to the new bridge, there is now new parking for the Farmers Market, and the covered Creamery Bridge has new granite blocks indicating that it is now officially off limits to cars. The garden club has also been working to landscape the area and has created a pleasant sitting area. They are selling stones for the garden to help cover the costs.



The Creamery Bridge looks good from this side.



The first non-fire truck across was an SUV type vehicle driven by someone named Steve (I think that's what he yelled). This photo shows the first car to drive BOTH ways over the new bridge. That's Ian Kiehle and his daughter during their first pass. Ian has the self-proclaimed honor of being the first to make an illegal turn to come back over, too.

So, Steve Barrett and the Town of Brattleboro welcome you to use the new bridge and urge you to pay close attention to the changes - narrow lanes, stop signs, and so on.

Take it slow, enjoy the view, and think of a name for this bridge while you cross.