Conway covered bridge may eventually be used by cars

CONWAY, Mass. (AP) - An engineer from the state Transportation Department is scheduled to visit a historic covered bridge in Conway this week, a move that could pave the way to reopening the bridge to traffic.

State Rep. Stephen Kulik's office organized the meeting on Thursday at the request of Town Administrator Ed MacDonald.

The Burkeville Covered Bridge built in 1871 is one of three original covered bridges remaining in Massachusetts and one of 10 remaining in the United States.

The Recorder reports that the Conway Historical Commission has wanted the bridge reopened to vehicles for several years, but state transportation officials say it lacks proper guard rails and are concerned that road salt could damage the wood.

Pedestrians have been allowed to use the bridge since a $1 million repair job in 2003.