The effort to restore the trusses of the old iron bridge in Fieldale and put them to a new use is a good example of how people and businesses will come together for a good cause.

The trusses were removed when the bridge was dismantled in June. The Dan River Basin Association is spearheading the effort to erect two of them along a new trail in front of the Fieldale Ballpark. Eventually, it will tie in with the trail that follows the Smith River.

Numerous businesses have been involved in this, either donating their services or doing them at reduced rates. They include Dishman Environmental, Reliable Welding & Fabricators, Hall’s Mechanical, Northpoint Trading, Boxley Materials and Craddock Logging Supply & Repair. Others who have helped with the project include Henry County, the Virginia Department of Transportation, DLB Construction, the Fieldale Community Center, Joey Arrington, Shane Pinkston and Rayford Smith.

In addition to those services, the project is being funded through monetary donations. Ninety percent of the approximately $11,000 cost has been raised, and memorial plaques are being sold to bring in the rest. People interested in helping can call the Dan River Basin Association Office at the Henry County Administration Building.

The involvement of all these businesses, organizations and individuals shows how people are willing to pitch in to support a good idea. Preserving this part of Fieldale’s history obviously is important to this community, and people are proud to be part of it. We look forward to seeing the project completed.