About Church Hill Road Covered Bridge
Church Hill Road Covered Bridge holds the distinction of being the shortest covered bridge in the United States still standing on a once-used public highway, with a clear span of just 19 feet and 3 inches. Built in the 1870s, this remarkable two-panel Kingpost truss bridge stands as eloquent testimony to the fine craftsmanship of early Ohio bridge builders.
History of Church Hill Road Covered Bridge
The exact construction date is unknown, but the bridge is believed to have been built in the 1870s. It originally spanned Middle Run on Church Hill Road in Elkrun Township, about three miles east-northeast of Lisbon. The bridge was bypassed by the county in 1962, and a small rural park was established around it. An Ohio Historic Site marker was dedicated in June 1963, sponsored by the Northern Ohio Covered Bridge Society and other organizations. In 1982, the Elkton Historical Society relocated the bridge to its current location along State Route 154 in Elkton. A $32,000 rehabilitation was completed in 2003. The bridge was added to the National Register of Historic Places in June 1975.
Architecture and Design
The bridge is a simple two-panel Kingpost truss, the simplest and most basic truss design. A kingpost truss is essentially a triangle where diagonal braces are the compression members and the center post (kingpost) is the tension member. This design dates back far in bridge-building history and was the basis for more complex trusses. Columbiana County once had nearly 100 covered bridges, most in the 25-60 foot range, but Church Hill Road is the smallest survivor.
Visiting Church Hill Road Covered Bridge
The bridge is located at 42087 OH-154 in Elkton, near the former Lock 24 Restaurant site (now the Elkrun Township Tourism Bureau and Museum). From Lisbon, head northeast on US30/OH11, then east 1.4 miles on OH154. Signs direct visitors to 'The Shortest Covered Bridge in the United States.' The bridge is open to pedestrians and provides a unique photo opportunity.