About New Hope Covered Bridge
The New Hope Covered Bridge, also known as the Bethel Road Covered Bridge, holds the distinction of being Ohio's longest single-span covered bridge at 172 feet. Built in 1878 over White Oak Creek near the village of New Hope in Brown County, this impressive structure showcases the engineering capabilities of 19th-century covered bridge builders.
History of New Hope Covered Bridge
Constructed in 1878 by builder Josiah Bryant, the New Hope Covered Bridge replaced an earlier 1872 bridge at this location. The bridge served as an important crossing for travelers between New Hope and Bethel for exactly 100 years before being bypassed in 1978. Major renovations were completed in 1902, when laminated arches were added to reinforce the structure. Additional rehabilitation work was performed by the Bower Bridge Company of Flemingsburg, Kentucky in 1932 and again in 1977. The bridge's 20-panel truss design made it an engineering achievement of its era.
Architecture and Design
The New Hope Covered Bridge features a Howe truss design enhanced with laminated arches, which were added during the 1902 renovation to provide additional support for its impressive 172-foot span. The Howe truss, patented by William Howe in 1840, uses vertical iron rods in tension and wooden diagonal members in compression. The combination of the Howe truss with arched supports allowed for the exceptional span length. The bridge's unusual construction has made it a favorite among bridge enthusiasts and photographers.
Visiting New Hope Covered Bridge
The New Hope Covered Bridge is located approximately six miles north of Georgetown, Ohio on US Route 68. Turn right onto Bethel-New Hope Road (going west), and the bridge is immediately on the right side. While the bridge appears to be on private property, the old road passes in front of the house and the bridge remains public property accessible for viewing. The bypassed bridge offers an excellent opportunity to appreciate Ohio's longest single-span covered bridge in a peaceful rural setting.