Covered Bridges
Most people think of New England when you mention covered bridges, but there are covered bridges in other parts of the USA extending as far west as Oregon. Ashtabula County in Ohio has plenty of these bridges and every year in October a Covered Bridge Festival is held in Jefferson. The origins of the covered bridge are unclear but it is likely that the roof and sides were added to extend the life of the bridge by protecting the supporting trusses from the weather. Below we have a selection of 17 bridges to be found in Ashtabula County. There are several different types of truss that can be used to support covered bridges. The two used by the bridges shown here are the Town Lattice Truss, a system of timber diagonals with no vertical members, and the Howe Truss which has timber diagonal members and iron verticals.
Mechanicsville Bridge
And a third bridge over the Grand River. The Mechanicsville Bridge dates from 1867 and is believed to be the oldest in Astabula County. At 47 metres (156 feet) long it had the longest single span in Ashtabula County. In more recent times the bridge fell into disrepair and had to be closed to traffic. Major rebuilding in 2003-4 brought this Howe Truss bridge back into service.
Harpersfield Bridge
This is the longest covered bridge in Ohio, all of 69 metres (228 feet) long. The two span Howe Truss bridge was built across Grand River in 1868 and gave good service until in 1913 the river washed away the northern approach. It was brought back into service by adding a steel truss span to the northern end of the bridge, part of which is just visible on the left of the picture. The bridge was renovated in 1991-2 at which time the walkway was added. Click Tab 2 to see a diagram of a Howe Truss.
Olin Bridge
The Olin Bridge is named after the family who owned the adjacent land. Built in 1873 it is 35 metres (115 feet) long spanning the Ashtabula River and it has a Town Lattice construction. It was renovated in 1985. For more information on Ashtabula County Covered Bridges go to the Covered Bridge Festival web site.
Riverdale Bridge
Another bridge across the Grand River. Built in 1874 this Town Lattice bridge is 35 metres (114 feet) long. It was originally a single span but in 1945 a central support was added. Click Tab 2 to see a diagram of a Town Lattice.
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© Mike Elsden 1981 - 2025
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