About New Hope Covered Bridge
The New Hope Covered Bridge, also known as the Bethel Road Covered Bridge, holds the distinction of being the longest single-span covered bridge in Ohio at 172 feet. Located southwest of New Hope on Bethel New Hope Road, this impressive structure spans White Oak Creek with its distinctive Howe truss design enhanced by arches. Built in 1878 by Josiah Bryant, the bridge was bypassed exactly 100 years later in 1978 and is now preserved for pedestrian use only.
History of New Hope Covered Bridge
Constructed in 1878 by builder Josiah Bryant, the New Hope Covered Bridge replaced an earlier covered bridge at this location. The bridge served as a vital crossing for the community for exactly one century before being bypassed in 1978. Major renovations were undertaken in 1902, 1932, and 1977 to maintain the structure. The bridge's exceptional length made it an engineering achievement of its era, requiring the combined strength of both Howe truss members and supporting arches to achieve the impressive single span. The 2004 renovation helped preserve this remarkable structure for future generations.
Architecture and Design
The New Hope Covered Bridge features a Howe truss with arch design, combining two structural systems for maximum strength. The Howe truss, patented in 1840, uses vertical iron rods for tension and wooden diagonals for compression. The addition of arches provides extra support for the exceptional 172-foot span, making this the longest single-span covered bridge in Ohio. This combination of truss and arch was necessary to achieve such a significant span without intermediate supports. The bridge showcases the engineering ingenuity of 19th-century bridge builders who pushed the limits of wooden bridge construction.
Visiting New Hope Covered Bridge
The New Hope Covered Bridge is located southwest of New Hope, approximately six miles north of Georgetown on Route 68. Turn right (west) onto Bethel-New Hope Road (County Road 5A), and the bridge is immediately visible on the right. The bridge is closed to motor traffic and appears to sit near private property, but the old road and bridge remain public property accessible to pedestrians. Visitors can walk through the bridge and appreciate its impressive length and unique construction. The bridge pairs well with visits to the nearby Brown Covered Bridge for a scenic covered bridge tour of central Brown County.