Vermont Listed Historic Bridge for Free on Craigslist

The state agency is offering a 359-foot historic bridge to anyone who can relocate the structure.

Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Auto Parts

Isometric editorial illustration of a weathered steel truss bridge spanning a geometric river valley in a rural setting.
The Vermont Agency of Transportation listed a 1928 historic bridge over the Winooski River on Craigslist to find a new owner before planned demolition. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The Vermont Agency of Transportation has listed a 1928 bridge over the Winooski River on Craigslist for free. The agency must offer the historic structure to the public before demolition can proceed as part of a future infrastructure project.

Why it matters

Federal Highway Administration funding regulations require the state to actively seek a new owner for historic bridges before they are dismantled. This process aims to preserve structural history while clearing the path for modern replacements.

The bridge spans 359 feet and was originally manufactured in 1928. The current Craigslist listing is set to remain active for a total of 30 days.

The players

Vermont Agency of Transportation

This state authority is responsible for the maintenance and management of infrastructure, including roads and historic bridges.

Federal Highway Administration

This federal agency oversees highway and infrastructure funding regulations, including the mandates for preserving historic structures.

The details

Interested parties must contact the Vermont Agency of Transportation directly through the Craigslist platform to claim the bridge. While the structure is free, the buyer is solely responsible for all costs associated with relocating the massive span and constructing new abutments.

Timeline

  1. The bridge was originally manufactured in 1928.

  2. The Craigslist listing for the bridge was posted on September 21, 2026.

  3. The listing will expire after 30 days on October 21, 2026.

  4. A planned infrastructure project is expected to begin in 2027.

Roadmap

This effort reflects a growing trend in infrastructure management where states seek to repurpose historic components rather than simply scrapping them during updates. It highlights how aging assets are often given a second life through public platforms before being replaced by modern designs.

For local residents, the primary outcome is the upcoming 2027 infrastructure project that will bring significant traffic disruptions to the area between Burlington and Winooski. Potential buyers must be prepared for the substantial financial and logistical reality of moving a massive 359-foot structure.

The takeaway

Preserving historic infrastructure requires finding specialized buyers capable of handling massive logistical hurdles. Those interested in historic salvage should verify their ability to manage construction and relocation costs before inquiring.

Further reading

For more on how state projects interact with infrastructure, visit the Vermont Auto Parts section.

Source note: This article includes information reported by Seven Days.

Live Poll

Do you support the use of Craigslist to advertise the transfer of public bridge infrastructure?