NEWS!

Saved From Demolition, Hibbs Bridge Added To National Register
Posted on Leesburg Today: Monday, July 18, 2011 11:15 am

Hibbs Bridge on the Snickersville Turnpike near Philomont has been added to the National Register of Historic Places and the Virginia Landmarks Register.

Built by the Snickers Gap Turnpike Company in 1829, Hibbs Bridge is one of only a few remaining stone arch bridges in Virginia and is the third oldest in Loudoun County. In addition to its architectural significance, the bridge was recognized for its association with the Snickers Gap Turnpike, one of the earliest operational turnpikes in the United States and a Virginia byway.

The recognition comes two decades after the Virginia Department of Transportation in 1990 announced plans replace the bridge, which engineers considered unsafe and inadequate. For the next 17 years area residents, joined together as Snickersville Turnpike Association, pressed local and state leaders to preserve and restore the bridge. In 2007, an extensive rehabilitation project that retained the structure's historic character was completed. The original dimensions were observed, the roadbed above the two barrel arches was strengthened while retaining the bridge's "hump" feature.

"We are proud to have Hibbs Bridge recognized by our state and our nation," STA Chairman Henry Plaster said in announcing the action. "Both designations secure the historical significance of Hibbs in perpetuity, helping ensure its use and enjoyment for another 180 years."