A New Bridge and Entry Park for Loon Mountain
In the wake of Hurricane Irene of 2011, the Loon Mountain International Bridge collapsed over the East Branch of the Pemigewasset River and a temporary bridge has been bringing visitors to the main entrance to the Loon Mountain resort. But now with FEMA funding the bridge will be permanently replaced. Ironwood is working as a consultant with HEB Engineers of North Conway and NH DOT to redesign the entry park. The new entry road across the replaced bridge forces the relocation of the signature locomotive engine once part of the East Branch and Lincoln Railroad logging railroad integral to the area.
The Public Input Session this week with Lincoln Board of Selectmen gave valuable feedback for the desired location of the locomotive to be safely accessible from a guest parking area. Ironwood envisions a setting of native meadow around the engine and the reuse of stones to be dismantled from its current position to trace the now vanished railroad tracks. A sculpture of flying Loons would make a welcome enhancement!