Governor Peter Shumlin commemorates the two-year anniversary of devastating flooding caused by Tropical Storm Irene with a visit and tour of the new Taftsville Bridge tomorrow afternoon (Wednesday). That tour will be followed by a 3 pm “stop-in-to-say hello” at the Taftsville Store. There, he will present a proclamation honoring country stores.
“The Guv” will then be moving down Route 4 for a 4 pm visit to the First Stop Ski Shop at the intersection of Route 4 and Route 100 where flood waters destroyed buildings and essentially cut off the Killington community from the rest of Vermont. Many would rather not remember, but a few of the buildings still askew there give us a grim reminder of the power of weather and water.
And, mark your calendars now…for us, a week from this Saturday (on September 7th) local groups and officials are planning a big Taftsville Bridge Re-Opening event to which everyone is invited. We got this announcement from our friends at the Woodstock Historical Society:
The Grand Re-Opening Celebration Ceremonies for the Taftsville Bridge begin at 11:00am on Saturday, September 7th, followed by music, food, etc. from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm.
As you know, the Taftsville Bridge was completely de-stabilized at its supports by the rushing waters, debris, oil and propane tanks that coursed through during flooding of the Ottauquechee river August 28, 2011 as the remnants of Hurricane Irene (by then “Tropical Storm” Irene) literally sat over Vermont for a 24 hour period.
In order to protect the bridge, so it would not suffer further structural damage, the bridge was partially taken down and then put back piece by piece as its supports were restored.
Now, it is back, almost ready, blazing red and an impressive presence as a testament to Vermonters love of their history and of their ability to rise again from disaster.
Obviously be cautious as you drive by and or walk around the area in the next few weeks. It can be a really bad spot if we start gawking at the bridge as we drive in the Route 4 area in front of the Taftsville Store.
Have fun!
Julia Carlisle
Woodstock Early Bird 
Posted by Lee Garsh on August 27, 2013 at 17:09
The Gov should be concerned about how we are all going to pay to property taxes and what the Sate is doing about spending reductions and the pre-bate. As it appears, this State wide problem won’t be addressed until there is no more prebate…then the masses will yell and loudly!!!!
The Quechee Bridge is important but not as important as the people paying the majority of the property taxes and employee most of the States residence!!!!
Without people like me, being able to afford to live in Vermont becomes harder for everyone.
How do you feel about that???
LikeLike
Posted by Julia Carlisle on August 27, 2013 at 17:25
Unclear what your rant is about, obviously you have some issues with the Governor, but you DO have a local representative or two who might be able to take your concerns to Montpelier. Pretty sure the Governor won’t comment on a day meant to celebrate and thank people for their hard work. WEB
LikeLike
Posted by Gary Horsman on August 27, 2013 at 17:32
Hi Julia,
It is great that we are celebrating an event together, as a community, such as the re-opening of the Taftsville Bridge. It is always good to bridge the gap between people and issues. The re-opening of the Taftsville bridge can be representative of that idea.
Thank you for posting this.
Gary
LikeLike
Posted by Donna on August 27, 2013 at 20:02
Yay for Taftsville, your new bridge is beautiful!
LikeLike
Posted by barb on August 28, 2013 at 07:03
worth the wait !!!
LikeLike
Posted by Cort on August 28, 2013 at 12:22
Happy Day! It’s good to see such a good picture of the bridge and not see any construction in evidence. Thank you to the crew that has been doing the hard work.
LikeLike