School Street Bridge

The tour concludes with the the School Street bridge. Like Langdon Street, the original structure was destroyed in 1927, and replaced with a pony truss. The upper chord and vertical trusses are now wrapped with twinkling lights to echo its sister bridge downstream. At night, it appears like an illuminated garden pergola hovering over the river.

The original bridge at this site was a slightly arched, wooden plank structure similar to the original Rialto Bridge. The first Union School, built in 1859, appears in the background of this photo. It was replaced in 1939 by the current Union Elementary School. 

Lighting the bridges has transformed Montpelier's cityscape at night. The spectacle draws residents and visitors downtown, brings much-needed color and joy to the dark winter nights, and improves pedestrian safety. The lit bridges have also provided an opportunity to reflect on the city's history and its relationship to place. Many residents and local organizations are currently working toward a future where both the City of Montpelier and the rivers that flow through it can thrive. Until that day, the illuminated bridges serve as a reminder of the importance of connection, community, and resilience.