About Mechanicsville Road Covered Bridge
The Mechanicsville Road Covered Bridge is a 156-foot Howe truss with arch structure spanning the Grand River. Built in 1867, it is believed to be the oldest covered bridge in Ashtabula County and holds the distinction of being the longest single-span covered bridge in the county. This historic treasure showcases remarkable 19th-century engineering.
History of Mechanicsville Road Covered Bridge
Constructed in 1867, just two years after the end of the Civil War, this bridge has served the community for over 150 years. The bridge underwent extensive renovation in 2003-2004, during which it was closed to traffic. The restoration work preserved the historic character while ensuring the bridge could continue to serve modern traffic needs. It was reopened to traffic in spring 2004. The bridge has a barn quilt displayed nearby as part of the Ashtabula County Barn Quilt Trail.
Architecture and Design
The Mechanicsville Bridge features a unique Howe truss design combined with an arch. The arch consists of 15 layers of 2x8 lumber encased by large beams which form the distinctive X-pattern of the Howe truss. This combination of arch and truss created a remarkably strong structure capable of spanning 156 feet in a single span without center supports. The bridge demonstrates the sophisticated engineering knowledge of 19th-century bridge builders.
Visiting Mechanicsville Road Covered Bridge
The bridge is located at 1153 Mechanicsville Road, approximately 4.6 miles from the Harpersfield Bridge. The clearance height is 10 feet 9 inches. The surrounding area offers scenic views of the Grand River valley. Visitors can drive through or park nearby to photograph this historic structure. The bridge is one of the highlights of the Ashtabula County Covered Bridge Trail.