Salem-Shotwell Covered Bridge

Also known as the Pea Ridge Covered Bridge, it was originally built in 1900 by Otto Puls. Its first location was over Wacoochee Creek on what is now Shotwell Road (Lee County Road 252), between the communities of Salem and Shotwell. The bridge's original length was 76 feet, and it featured a Town Lattice truss design using Longleaf pine heartwood timbers, White oak pegs, and Cedar roof shakes. It was restored by Lee County in 1973 but was closed to traffic in 1994. The bridge was listed on the Alabama Register of Landmarks and Heritage on January 25, 1977. On June 4, 2005, a fallen tree destroyed the bridge, causing it to collapse into the creek. Many structural pieces were recovered, and ownership was transferred to the City of Opelika. It was reconstructed to a length of 43 feet at Opelika Municipal Park, spanning Rocky Brook, and rededicated on August 14, 2007. The siding was lowered for better views, and interior lighting was added. The reconstruction was a partnership between the City of Opelika, the Opelika Kiwanis Club, and the Lee County Historical Society.