Covered Bridges
More than 12,000 covered bridges have dotted America's landscape since the first was built in Philadelphia in 1805. At least 3,500 of these bridges were built in Ohio.
America offered a plentiful supply of wood for bridge building by local carpenters who used one of several patented designs for the truss or supporting structure.
Why were the bridges covered? Many believe that their resemblance to a barn lessened the fear of horses at a river crossing. While they certainly provided shelter from a sudden shower or a place for Saturday night sparking, the true reason was the protection afforded the truss from constant exposure to the weather. While an uncovered wooden bridge would last about 20 years, a covered truss would last about 100.
Ohio is second to Pennsylvania in remaining covered bridges. All over America concrete and steel have replaced instead of repaired the structures that are so vital to our historical past. Down from 3,500 to approximately 138, the historic covered bridge that Ohioans over the centuries have enjoyed is quickly disappearing.
Safety and Respecting Private Property
When stopping and enjoying the covered bridges, use caution! Stopping along busy roads can be dangerous.
Other Covered Bridges in this region:
OH Brown Co Covered Bridge - McCafferty
OH Brown Co Covered Bridge - Brown
OH Brown Co Covered Bridge - Bethel New Hope
OH Brown Co Covered Bridge - George Miller
OH Brown Co Covered Bridge - North Pole
OH Clermont Co Covered Bridge - Stonelick Williams
OH Clinton Co Covered Bridge - Perintown Stonelick
OH Hamilton Co Covered Bridge - Jediah Hill
OH Highland Co Covered Bridge - Lynchburg
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Portion of Historic Stonelick Covered Bridge Collapses
WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 12, 2014
STONELICK TWP., Ohio – A portion of the historic Stonelick Covered bridge on Stonelick-Williams Corner Road collapsed Tuesday as construction crews worked to rehabilitate it.
Four construction workers were on the bridge at about 2:30 p.m. when the shell of the bridge caved. The cause of the collapse remains under investigation.
No injuries were reported and the bridge remains closed, officials said.
"It was an extremely close call," said Clermont County Engineer Pat Manger.
Manger will meet this week with a Columbus contractor to evaluate the situation and determine what steps should be taken next.
Stonelick Township Trustee John Handley said he had to see the aftermath of the bridge collapse to believe it.
"It kind of makes me sick to my stomach. It's a real shame," Handley said. "It was scary. Now it's laying in the creek. It was eerie."
The Stonelick Township Bridge was build in 1878 and is the only covered bridge in Clermont County.
The bridge was closed in May of 2010 after a dozen floor joists were damaged by a truck crossing the span.
“Everyone in Clermont County loves this bridge,” said resident Catherine Rush-Ossenbeck in 2010 when the bridge closed. “It's a symbol of our county and we want to preserve the historic beauty of it."
Repairs were estimated to cost $1.2 million at the time and would have been completed in 2012 if the money was available.
If members of the community want the bridge to be rebuilt, Handley said he is confident it will be -- even though Tuesday's collapse means that cost will be even higher.
Rehabilitation of Clermont Historic Covered Bridge Questioned
http://www.clermontcountyohio.gov/nr0112bridge.aspx
Immediate Release January 12, 2012
Batavia, Ohio. This is something Clermont County must preserve, not remodel. That was the message a group of community members brought to the Board of Clermont County Commissioners (BCC) during a meeting on January 11, 2012. “Don’t turn our country lane into a major thoroughfare,” said Catherine Rush-Ossenbeck, who lives with her husband Tim on the roadway that leads to the historic Stonelick Williams Corner Covered Bridge. Built in 1878, it is the only covered bridge remaining in the county; it has been closed since July of 2010, after a truck that exceeded the weight limit for the bridge caused serious damage to the bridge’s floor beams. Many of those in attendance said they are opposed to a Clermont County Engineer’s Office plan to increase the load limit on the bridge from 3-tons to 12-tons, enabling school buses, emergency equipment, and delivery trucks to safely cross the structure.
“We have petitions from a lot of people encouraging the Engineer’s Office to preserve the bridge structure instead of remodeling it to look like something you could see at Disneyland,” said Rush-Ossenbeck. Her husband Tim is concerned about replacing bridge floor boards that could lower the deck by 18 inches. “This will make the bridge floor more susceptible to large debris that floats down the creek when the water is high,” he said. “I have seen large tree root balls that have slammed into the bridge that would damage the structure, if the bridge floor is lowered.”
Stonelick Township trustee John Hanley, several others citizens, and John Kies, representing the 1,800 member Miami Rifle and Pistol Club (located near the bridge), support historically preserving the bridge, not compromising the trusses and overall structure of the original bridge. The bridge design proposed by the Engineer’s Office would keep 75-80 percent of the historic bridge.
Clermont County Commission President Bob Proud told those gathered that he understands the significance of the bridge to the community. “I’ve enjoyed driving over it, rolling down the windows, and listening to the sounds of the wood as I pass over it,” he said. “We will talk with the Engineer’s Office about current design plans for the rehabilitation project and let them know your concerns.”
Historic Stonelick Covered Bridge Now Closed Until 2012
http://www.clermontcountyohio.gov/nr0610bridgeupdate.aspx
Immediate Release June 10, 2010
Batavia, Ohio. “Unfortunately, one of our worst fears has played out here,” said Clermont County Engineer Pat Manger. “It now appears that damage to the historic Stonelick Williams Corner Covered Bridge is so severe, that it cannot easily be repaired. The bridge will not be reopened to traffic until middle or late 2012.” The Stonelick Williams Corner Covered Bridge was built in 1878; it is the only covered bridge in Clermont County.
On Saturday, May 22, 2010, the Engineer’s Office was notified by citizens living near the bridge that several boards were hanging from the floor of the structure; the bridge was closed immediately. “Upon further examination we have found that over a dozen floor beams have been damaged,” said Manger. “We have talked to people who live in the area and they have told us they saw a large truck cross the bridge twice just before the damage was reported. The load limit on that bridge is 3 tons, allowing only cars to cross.”
Manger said a possible tragedy was averted, because of the quick response in reporting the problem and the immediate decision to close the bridge that weekend. “All I could think about was the truck damaging the bridge, and then the next day a family heading to church crossing that bridge, and the bridge gives way,” he said. “I am so thankful that we and the community are working together to keep an eye on this county treasure. We are committed to protect and preserve the covered bridge for generations to come.”
Because funding for the $1.2 million bridge rehabilitation is not yet available, and the cost to repair the recent damage is too steep, the bridge will remain closed until the rehabilitation project is completed in 2012. When completed, the rehabilitation project will increase the load limit on the bridge from 3 to 12 tons, enabling emergency vehicles and school buses to cross.
“Deputies have identified the trucking company owner and are currently working with the Clermont County Prosecutor’s Office on the appropriate direction in this case,” said Clermont County Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy Rick Combs.
The Stonelick Williams Corner Covered Bridge is located on Stonelick Williams Corner Road near US 50 in Stonelick Township. Until the bridge is reopened, traffic is being detoured along US 50, SR 132, and Stonelick Williams Corner Road.
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