An enduring icon of rural New England in Charlemont has reopened to vehicle traffic.

The Bissell Covered Bridge reopened this week following a two-year, $3 million renovation. The bridge that spans the Mill Brook is on the National Register of Historic Places.

Historical Commission Chairwoman Norma Coli tells The Recorder of Greenfield that the organization is thrilled.

The bridge, made of Douglas fir, was built in 1950 to replace another bridge on the spot that dated to 1840. The contractor said at least 80 percent of the original wood was used in the renovation.

Workers dismantled and inspected structural beams; constructed new abutments; replaced the floor beams, deck and railings; installed steel reinforcement rods and a fire protection system. (AP)