Historic Hertford ‘S-bridge’ swing span has been removed

The 93-year-old, weakening swing span of the historic Hertford “S-bridge,” which connected the towns of Hertford and Winfall, was removed Monday.

The removal is part of a project to replace the nearly century-old bridge, which has been in place since 1928, over Perquimans River, according to the state Department of Transportation.

Contractors for the North Carolina Department of Transportation loaded the truss onto two barges, which will temporarily house the bridge sections near Missing Mill Park. There are local preservation efforts underway to put the structure on permanent display.

The removal is part of a $57 million project to replace the aging Hertford swing span bridge that connected the towns of Hertford and Winfall along U.S. 17 Business. The new bridge, which will also replace the causeway that was settling unevenly, is expected to open to traffic by April 30, 2022.