Grout Hill Bridge

By Gretchen Abendschein

Just two and a half months after a loaded Carroll Concrete truck crossed Grout Hill Bridge and broke through the wooden planks on the old deck, a new bridge was finished and open for traffic.

Steve Gray, engineer for the bridge reconstruction, said that he was impressed by the speed with which the project was completed. Having worked for the NH Department of Transportation for years, Steve is more familiar with jobs such as the reconstruction of Grout Hill Bridge taking a year or more to complete.

On a misty morning in mid-November a small group gathered for an opening ceremony at Grout Hill Bridge. Acworth selectman Tom Esslinger offered a brief speech commending Shaun Carroll, Sr. and Shaun Carroll, Jr. for their willingness to work with the town to repair the bridge.

State senator Bob Odell presented a document from the Statehouse to Carroll Concrete and the Town of Acworth congratulating both parties for a job well done.

In lieu of a ribbon, yellow caution tape had been strung across the end of the bridge. Bob Odell and Shaun Carroll, Sr. ceremoniously cut the tape and a Carroll Concrete truck was the first vehicle to drive across the bridge.

Thanks to Carroll Concrete, engineer Steve Gray and the Acworth Highway Department for working together to expedite the reconstruction of the bridge.