About McClellan Covered Bridge
The McClellan Covered Bridge, also known as the Kinmuer Covered Bridge, crosses the West Fork of Little Beaver Creek in a rural area southwest of Lisbon, Ohio. Built around 1871, this Multiple Kingpost truss bridge measures approximately 50-53 feet long and 13 feet wide. After a comprehensive restoration in 2016-2017, it now serves as a beautiful pedestrian crossing in one of Columbiana County's most remote and scenic locations.
History of McClellan Covered Bridge
The Jim McClellan Covered Bridge was constructed around 1870-1871 to serve McClellan Road, which once connected Wayne Bridge and Trinity Church roads. Over time, the road was abandoned and the bridge became surrounded by woods and farm fields. By 2015, the bridge had deteriorated to the point that a steel beam had to be run across the length of the sagging roof to prevent collapse. In February 2016, a contract for $280,494 was awarded to McCoy Construction Company of Calcutta for a full restoration. The project was coordinated by longtime Columbiana County Engineer Bert Dawson, who served 48 years in office and was responsible for preserving all five of the county's covered bridges. Retired Ashtabula County engineer John Smolen, famous for his covered bridge work, assisted with the project.
Architecture and Design
The McClellan Covered Bridge features a six-panel Multiple Kingpost truss design. The restoration preserved as many original members as possible while bringing the structure back to safe condition. Work included raising the bridge one foot, constructing one new stone abutment and rebuilding the other, and rehabilitating or replacing fire-retarded wood siding and flooring. The county obtained $400,000 from the U.S. Department of Transportation's National Historic Covered Bridge Preservation Program and $100,000 from the Ohio Public Works Program to fund the restoration.
Visiting McClellan Covered Bridge
The McClellan Covered Bridge is located in an extremely rural part of Columbiana County southwest of Lisbon. To visit, follow Route 30 West to Freeman Road, turn left onto Freeman Road, turn right on Lisbon-Dungannon Road, turn left on Trinity Church Road, then slight left onto McClellan Road. The bridge reopened to pedestrians in early 2017 and includes a security light for nighttime visibility. The remote location makes this bridge a favorite for those seeking a peaceful covered bridge experience. The bridge was the last of Columbiana County's five covered bridges to be restored.