- July 19, 2026
- Carla Cielo
Hunterdon County’s Hamp Road Truss Bridge stands as one of New Jersey’s finest surviving examples of late nineteenth- and early twentieth-century metal truss bridge engineering. Built in 1900 by the renowned Wrought Iron Bridge Company (WIBC) of Canton, Ohio, the bridge spans Alexauken Creek in West Amwell Township, connecting Hamp Road with Alexauken Creek Road. Distinguished by its unusual cast-iron connector nodes incorporated into an otherwise all-steel structure, the bridge is immediately recognizable as a product of WIBC craftsmanship.
Once, Hunterdon County was home to more than ten Wrought Iron Bridge Company spans. Today, the Hamp Road Bridge is the county’s best-preserved example and an increasingly rare survivor of a bridge type that once defined rural American transportation. Recognizing its exceptional significance, the New Jersey Historic Sites Council unanimously recommended the bridge for listing on the State and National Registers of Historic Places in March 2026. Despite this professional endorsement, the nomination was ultimately vetoed by the Assistant Commissioner following objections from Hunterdon County.
The bridge’s current predicament began after Hurricane Ida in 2021, when severe flooding destroyed the stone wingwalls and damaged the roadway approaches. Although Hamp Road itself has since been repaired, the bridge remains closed to traffic. Rather than restoring the span, Hunterdon County has proposed dismantling it and placing it into long-term storage while indicating there are no plans to construct a replacement crossing at the site. A vote by the Hunterdon County Commissioners to authorize demolition is expected at their August 4 meeting (date to be confirmed).
Storage, however, is not preservation. Once dismantled, the bridge would lose both its historic context and its functional purpose while continuing to deteriorate in storage.
Perhaps most frustrating is that a viable alternative already exists. A private donor has offered to fully fund reconstruction of the damaged wingwalls at no cost to Hunterdon County taxpayers. The donor has retained both an engineer to prepare restoration plans and legal counsel to present a proposal. With this commitment, the principal financial obstacle to preserving the bridge in place has effectively been removed.
The bridge’s future need not depend upon reopening Hamp Road to through traffic. Situated between Alexauken Creek and the historic Black River & Western Railroad within a Green Acres preserve, the crossing could continue serving as limited vehicular access to the preserve’s parking area or be converted into a pedestrian and bicycle crossing. The surrounding landscape already attracts hikers, cyclists, horseback riders, and walkers, while nearby Alexauken Creek Road forms part of a popular 33-mile cycling route originating in Lambertville. In this setting, the bridge would continue to fulfill its historic purpose of providing access while becoming an asset for recreation and heritage tourism.
Additional opportunities have also emerged since the bridge’s closure. A new township administration has expressed a willingness to revisit discussions, and if the bridge is ultimately listed on the National Register of Historic Places, it would become eligible for preservation grant opportunities. An ad hoc committee has also committed to pursuing future funding and assisting with long-term stewardship. Together, these developments provide a realistic pathway toward preserving the bridge in its original location.
Unfortunately, the Hamp Road Bridge is not an isolated case. Hunterdon County was once nationally recognized for its remarkable collection of historic metal truss bridges, but that collection has steadily diminished over the past several decades. Historic riveted Warren and pinned Pratt trusses have increasingly been replaced with modern steel structures that, while functional, lack the craftsmanship, engineering significance, and historic character of their predecessors. Recent losses include the demolition of the Pine Hill Road Bridge at Camp Carr in Franklin Township, while the County has also sought removal of the historic Ferry Road Bridge from the State and National Registers.
Historic bridges are more than transportation infrastructure. They are tangible reminders of America’s engineering achievements, the communities they connected, and the craftsmanship that shaped our landscapes. Once demolished, they cannot be recreated.
Preserving the Hamp Road Truss Bridge represents an opportunity to protect an irreplaceable piece of New Jersey’s transportation history while creating a lasting public amenity. With private funding available, preservation advocates organized, and new opportunities for partnership emerging, the time has come to reopen discussions rather than proceed with demolition.
Those interested in supporting preservation of the Hamp Road Truss Bridge are encouraged to contact the Hunterdon County Commissioners and attend the Commissioners’ meeting scheduled for August 4 (date to be confirmed) at 5:30 p.m. at the Hunterdon County Complex, 71 Main Street, Building 1, Second Floor, Flemington. The bridge has served Hunterdon County for more than 125 years; with thoughtful collaboration, it can continue serving the public for generations to come.
