Wheaton Covered Bridge, New Brunswick
Wheaton Covered Bridge, New Brunswick
Covered bridges are a charming and iconic feature of rural areas in North America, particularly in the northeastern United States and eastern Canada. These bridges are called "covered" because they have a roof and walls enclosing the wooden structure. The purpose of the covering is to protect the bridge from the elements, particularly from snow and ice in the winter months, which can cause damage and shorten the lifespan of an uncovered bridge.
The construction of covered bridges was popular in the 19th century, and they were often built using local materials and traditional building techniques. The most common design features of a covered bridge include a truss system that supports the bridge's weight, a wooden plank deck, and a roof that slopes steeply to shed rain and snow.
As Karl made his way through New Brunswick, he would have biked over bridges to cross rivers and streams as he travelled onwards to Quebec. After Karl’s travels, many original bridges were covered to preserve the wooden construction.