The Powder Point Bridge in Duxbury is not eligible for the National Register of Historic Places.
That’s the determination by the Federal Highway Administration that was spelled out in a letter to Duxbury town officials this week.
The Save Powder Point Bridge citizens group had requested the federal government list the bridge as historic and also wanted to be named as a consultant as part of a plan to design and rebuild the bridge.
The agency declined listing the bridge as historic but accepted the group’s request to be a consultant.
The original wooden bridge was built in 1891 and destroyed by fire in 1985.
A new timber bridge was built the following year in 1986.
In its letter, the highway administration wrote that the existing bridge is not the original and does not meet federal guidelines to be determined as historical.
The town is currently working with MassDot to design and rebuild the deteriorating bridge.
Many in town want the bridge rebuilt with wood to keep its character .
But the state is balking at that proposal, saying that a wooden span is not feasible and that a concrete and steel bridge would last indefinitely with little maintenance.
The select board is scheduled to further discuss the matter at its October 19th meeting.
State Holds Powder Point Bridge Meeting