Bridgeport Covered Bridge Waiting For Repairs

 

January 19, 2014, Nevada County, California - The Bridgeport covered bridge is in trouble. Time is taking its toll on the 152 year old bridge. Structurally the bridges timbers of the wooden arches are warping and separating. The cast-iron tension rods have stretched and are ineffective. The bridge has been closed since 2011. Estimates for full restoration are in the $1.1 million range.

California's state park systems financial and management troubles are making the repairs more complicated. The Bridgeport covered bridge is a part of that system being located within the South Yuba River State Park.

Local groups such as the South Yuba River Park Association and the South Yuba River Citizens League concerned about the bridge. Recently resolutions from the local Board of Supervisors and city councils urging the state for bridge repairs have passed. State park officials have agreed to spend $220,000 to stabilize the bridge. The time line of work has yet to be established.

The Bridgeport Covered Bridge (05-29-01) is located within the South Yuba State Park and crosses the South Fork of the Yuba River. The bridge was built in 1862 by David I. Wood and served the gold and silver mines in the area during the Gold Rush era.

The Bridgeport, or "Wood's Crossing" bridge, is the longest single span covered bridge in existence. The bridge is 230 feet long and is constructed using a Burr arch and Howe truss. A very popular tourist attraction, the covered bridge was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1971.

The following web link contains the full coverage from The Sacremento Bee covering the story of the Bridgeport Covered Bridge: http://www.sacbee.com/2014/01/19/6083504/nevada-countys-bridgeport-covered.html.