HEB was engaged by Maine Huts & Trails, a non-profit organization based
in Kingfield, Maine, to design and oversee construction of a 200-foot hiking
and ski-touring bridge over the Dead River to complete part of their trail
system linking several huts in the Grand Falls area of Somerset County. Just
downstream from the Flagstaff Dam, the bridge site was accessed by 16 miles of
logging roads, which required substantial upgrades (including environmental
permitting) to bring in the bridge materials. Over a 2-year period, HEB worked closely with Maine Huts
& Trails to design a low-maintenance, long-lasting bridge that fits well in
the wilderness landscape, mirroring the natural surroundings. Maine Huts & Trails acted as their
own general contractor and embraced the challenge of constructing a bridge of
this size without benefit of good access, electricity or shelter. The bridge
was completed and opened for use in October 2010.