Hammond Bridge. Closed to all traffic, including foot. Photo by Joe Nelson, December 14, 2003

PITTSFORD - The Hammond Covered Bridge, [WGN VT- 11-05] overdue for repairs, and, according to state historic preservation officials, too dangerous even for pedestrian traffic, has been closed with snow-fence and concrete Jersey barriers. The bridge has been closed to vehicle traffic for over 10 years, but not to foot traffic.
       Gilbertson and John Dumville, the state's historic sites coordinator, both said they have tried for two sessions to get the Legislature to approve funds for stabilizing and then rehabilitating the Hammond bridge. Now it is in such bad shape, they said, that a heavy snow load could send it into the river.
       Also new to viewers of the site is a stone monument marking the historic Crown Point Road which once crossed the Otter Creek near here.
      The inscription on the monument reads: PITT'S FORD / ACCESSED THE 1759 / CROWN POINT ROAD / SOME 2000 FEET / TO THE SOUTH / MARKER 45-B / PLACED BY THE CPRA / IN 2003 / IN MEMORY OF FOUNDERS / PHYLLIS AND HUBERT HUMPHREYS.