About West Liberty Street Covered Bridge
The West Liberty Street Covered Bridge holds the remarkable distinction of being the shortest covered bridge in the United States, spanning just 18 feet over Cowles Creek in Geneva. Despite its tiny size, it was designed for highway traffic and features a one-of-a-kind design combining a Kingpost support with a Scissor Truss roof intended to give a more open, lighter feel.
History of West Liberty Street Covered Bridge
This unique bridge was opened to vehicle traffic in October 2010, though some sources list 2011 as the completion date. The approximately $400,000 project replaced a concrete culvert and was designed by John Smolen, the same engineer who designed the Smolen-Gulf Bridge. The bridge was modularly constructed by students at Ashtabula County Joint Vocational School (now A-Tech) using locally-grown donated timber. A replica toll booth was included to remind visitors of pioneer days when travelers often paid for the privilege of crossing bridges.
Architecture and Design
The West Liberty Street Bridge features an innovative design never before used in covered bridge construction. A single Kingpost supports the structure while the Scissor Truss roof creates an unusually open interior. The bridge demonstrates that covered bridge architecture can be adapted to modern needs while honoring traditional aesthetics. The design allows full highway traffic while maintaining the charming appearance of a covered bridge.
Visiting West Liberty Street Covered Bridge
The bridge is located on West Liberty Street in Geneva, near Scribblers Coffeehouse and across the street from a local winery. Its downtown location makes it easy to access as part of a visit to Geneva's shops and restaurants. The information kiosk encourages visitors to explore other Geneva attractions. The bridge is approximately 15 miles from the Smolen-Gulf Bridge, making it possible to see both the longest and shortest covered bridges in the US in a single day trip.