Historic Bridge Battle: Will 1 Town Profit While the Other Pays?

Two towns, two states, and two historic bridges that nobody wants to pay for. Brattleboro, Vermont, wants to reactivate two historic bridges with a pedestrian greenway. Hinsdale, New Hampshire, worries about increased crime and being saddled with the majority of maintenance costs while getting fewer returns. Abby and Norm discuss this dilemma, comparing it to similar bridge projects and identifying possible next steps for activating this underutilized infrastructure.

ADDITIONAL SHOW NOTES

• "Can Two Towns Preserve the Bridges That Connected Them?" by Alan Wirzbicki, The Boston Globe (September 2025)
• Abby Newsham (X/Twitter)
• Norm Van Eeden Petersman (LinkedIn)
• Theme Music by Kemet the Phantom.

 

This podcast is made possible by Strong Towns members. Click here to learn more about membership.