Join Us for the 2nd Annual Covered Bridge Festival
September 12, 2009
9:00a.m. to 4:00p.m.
More information forthcoming. 


The Bridges of Union County

In the spring of 2007, Union County dedicated two new covered bridges bringing the total to six covered bridges in the county. Union County has the seventh highest number of covered bridges.

Four of the covered bridges in Union County were designed and built by Ruben L. Partridge and are based on a design patented by him in 1872. Mr. Partridge lived in Marysville from 1836 until his death, which was the result of a fall from a bridge he was building north of Marysville. The Union County bridges and one in adjoining Franklin County are the only remaining bridges built from Mr. Partridge’s patent design.

The Union County historic covered bridges all have “windows” cut into the siding. This is not in the original design. It was done to increase visibility with the advent of automobile traffic. These windows have roofs or awnings to protect the trusses from the elements.

Bigelow Bridge also known as Axe Handle Road Bridge

This covered bridge was named in honor of Eliphas Bigelow, who was a nearby resident. The bridge was built in 1873 by Reuben Partridge and spans 114’ of Little Darby Creek. In 1990, the bridge underwent extensive renovation. Massive nail-laminated arches were seated into new concrete foundations. This arch system now carries the weight of traffic on this bridge. Be sure to check out the bridge inside the bridge. In 2008, this bridge was painted red.

Culbertson Bridge also known as Winget Road Bridge

This 94’ bridge spans Treacle Creek and was built in 1868 by Reuben Partridge. There are canopies on both sides of the bridge which were installed in the 1930’s. Scrolls are located at each end. The bridge was originally on USR 4, two miles from Milford Center, and was moved to its current location sometime before 1953. In 1961 the bridge underwent repairs and piers were added to give extra support to the bridge. In 1977 a “run-around” was constructed to keep heavy and oversized equipment off the bridge. In 1987 the bridge was rehabilitated. Glue laminated girders were installed with glue laminated floor beams suspended from the girders.

Pottersburg Bridge

This bridge formerly in the location of the North Lewisburg Road Covered Bridge was designed and built by Reuben Partridge in 1868. In 1937, full length canopies were added. The 94’ Truss bridge underwent extensive repairs in 1949. In 2006, the bridge was disassembled, moved and rehabilitated to a multi-use trail and the bridge was painted red.

North Lewisburg Road Bridge

The North Lewisburg Road Covered Bridge spans the Big Darby Creek and was constructed in 2006. The Big Darby Creek is a state and national scenic river therefore the bridge was designed to keep all substructures out of the creek. This new bridge is a modified Pratt Truss and spans 135 feet.

The Spain Creek Covered Bridge, also known as Inskeep-Cratty Road Bridge

This pretty little covered bridge spans 64’ over Spain Creek. The bridge was designed and built by Reuben Partridge in the 1870’s. Spain Creek currently achieves criteria associated with the Exceptional Warm water Habitat and Coldwater Habitat use designations by the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency.

Buck Run Road Bridge

This new covered bridge was built over the Big Darby Creek in 2006 and spans an impressive 160’. The bridge is a modified Pratt Truss. This new bridge is officially the longest single span wooden structure designed and built to carry all modern traffic.

Streng Road Truss Bridge

This steel Pratt Truss Bridge was built in 1914 and is presumed to have replaced a bridge that was destroyed in the flood of 1913. Union County received special recognition for the renovation of this 200’steel Pratt Bridge over the Big Darby Creek in 1993. All the original ornamentation and decorative elements are still intact. The bridge is officially listed as an Ohio Historic Bridge. This is the only non-covered bridge with this recognition in the county.

Please click here for the Covered Bridge Route Map.