Middle Road Covered Bridge

About Middle Road Covered Bridge

The Middle Road Covered Bridge is a 136-foot Howe truss bridge built in 1868 over Conneaut Creek, which is the longest river in eastern Ashtabula County. This historic structure is one of three bridges from 1868 that remain standing in the county.

History of Middle Road Covered Bridge

Built in 1868, the Middle Road Bridge served the community for over a century before needing major repairs. It was reconstructed in 1984 with the help of three volunteers and four college students, demonstrating the community's dedication to preserving covered bridge heritage. This grassroots restoration effort helped inspire the county's ongoing covered bridge preservation movement.

Architecture and Design

The bridge features Howe truss construction, which uses wooden diagonal members in compression and vertical iron rods in tension. This design was popular for longer spans in the mid-to-late 19th century. At 136 feet, the Middle Road Bridge showcases the impressive capabilities of Howe truss engineering.

Visiting Middle Road Covered Bridge

The bridge is located at 910 Middle Road. Conneaut Creek offers scenic views and is popular with anglers. The bridge is part of the eastern section of the Ashtabula County Covered Bridge Trail, near the Windsor Mills and Root Road bridges. Visitors can easily combine visits to several bridges in this area for a comprehensive covered bridge tour.