Perham Stream Bridge
Location: Madrid Township
Born Out Of Necessity
The 80-foot single-span steel girder bridge replaced an aging structure that was damaged during Hurricane Irene in 2012. The original bridge was cobbled together from salvaged railroad iron and had become increasingly unsafe, with rusted support girders and a compromised center support.
The project emerged from a three-year collaborative process involving multiple organizations, including the High Peaks Alliance, North Franklin Snowmobile Club, and Narrow Gauge Riders ATV Club.
The final structure allows for public motorized and non-motorized recreation, with a width restriction of 60 inches for vehicles (with exceptions for snowmobile trail groomers). This careful design ensures both safety and accessibility for trail users.
Special Thanks
The project’s success was driven by key contributors including Nancy Perlson, who provided critical coordination, Mark Beauregard, who granted land access, and Brian and Norman Luce, who completed the construction.
Their efforts culminated in a ribbon-cutting ceremony on August 27, 2016, complete with local businesses donating food and supplies to celebrate the achievement.