School Committee OKs Eagle Scout Bridge Project for South School

HINGHAM - A Hingham student’s plan to repair a damaged bridge on the South School Nature Trail received unanimous approval from the Hingham School Committee during its May 5 meeting.

Huck Shaughnessy, an Eagle Scout candidate, presented his project proposal to rebuild a destroyed footbridge and clear downed trees from the nature trail behind South School. The bridge, located near the lower teacher parking lot, had been unusable due to storm damage and neglect.

Shaughnessy explained that the project involves cutting and moving six trees that are blocking the trail path and constructing a new bridge to replace the one that was destroyed.

“The bridge will be 12 feet long, four feet wide, and two feet above a stream. And it will include railings,” he said during his presentation.

He emphasized that while he would be leading the effort, the project would be a group effort involving fellow members of Troop 4 and adult volunteers. “There'll also be some adults that will be helping cut down the trees since I'm not allowed to use power tools such as chainsaws,” he noted.

Committee members asked about the structural integrity of the bridge. Shaughnessy explained that the bridge would be built using pressure-treated wood and supported by four beams set four feet into the ground with concrete.

“We’re going to be filling them with concrete and we’re also using a special type of wood that’ll ensure that the bridge will be nice and sturdy for many years to come,” he said.

It was noted during the meeting that one of the participating adults is a civil engineer, which committee members said added further confidence in the bridge’s long-term viability.

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Katie Roberts praised the project and its benefit to students and the community.

“Our fifth grade field science students in particular make really great use of the trail. So this will be something that students will be able to enjoy for many years to come,” Roberts said.

Shaughnessy estimated the project would take one to two months during the summer, depending on consistency and scheduling.

Following the presentation and a round of questions, the committee voted unanimously to approve the project.

Chair Jen Benham confirmed the school committee would send formal approval documentation, allowing the project to proceed once final proposal approvals are in place.

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