The Sherman Bridge, a wooden bridge linking Wayland and Sudbury, Massachusetts since the 18th century, is showing its age and stirring up debate over its future. 

Originally built in 1743, the bridge predates the Declaration of Independence by more than three decades. It was last rebuilt in the early 1990s, but after years of wear from vehicle traffic, officials say it now needs repairs. 

For longtime Wayland resident Jeff Stein, a retired architect who has lived near the bridge for decades, the structure represents more than a way to cross the river. 

"A bridge like this is a place and it's a place where things happen," he said.

"There's been a wedding on this bridge, there are people who are painters who come and paint the terrific landscape here," said Stein. "It's part of the neighborhood. It gives the place identity." 

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation and the Wayland Department of Public Works said inspections over the past several years have revealed severe deterioration, including damage from vehicles driving across its wooden boards. 

"When you're on the bridge and people are driving over it, you can see the timber boards actually vibrating," said Tom Holder, Wayland's public works director. "We have observed the lag bolts actually laying on top of the deck surface. They popped out." 

Initial renovation plans called for an asphalt surface, but officials revised the design after public feedback. The new plan for 2026 includes a synthetic laminated wood deck to keep the bridge's rustic appearance. The state will cover the cost of materials. Wayland and Sudbury will split the labor costs.

"Save this Bridge" campaign

A group of residents, led by Wayland's Doug Stotz, has launched a grassroots campaign to "Save this Bridge." Stotz set up a community mailbox near the bridge, stocked with flyers urging people to take action. 

"It's too motorist-centric," said Stotz. "It doesn't do enough to preserve the historical character of the bridge, and it doesn't do enough for the safety and enjoyment of the hundreds of recreational users who visit every week." 

Kay Gardner-Westcott of the Wayland Historical Society said residents value modernization but want to ensure that heritage is not lost.

"Our town is over 300 years old, and we believe a lot in history," she said. "Yes, we welcome modern, but we also like to preserve and save some of the things that have survived this long." 

Despite concerns, Stein said he remains hopeful that there's enough time to preserve the bridge.

"It's an historic landscape and it's an historic bridge in the middle of the landscape and we'd like to keep that," he said.