182-year-old Ky. covered bridge gets temporary repairs after flood damage

Updated Mar 9, 2018
Dover Covered Bridge. Wikipedia: Photo by Greg Hume.Dover Covered Bridge. Wikipedia: Photo by Greg Hume.

Kentucky transportation officials report that Dover Covered Bridge, which was built in 1835 in Mason County in northeastern Kentucky, has been temporarily stabilized after it was damaged by major flooding along Lee Creek in 2017.

Two 12,000-pound steel support beams that had been added to the bridge in the 1980s were torn off by the flood waters, so the bridge was closed.

According to U.S. News, the Kentucky Department of Highways released a statement on Feb. 28, 2018, stating that crews put steel beams through the 19th century covered bridge, tying them to the structure and the ground.

“While the bridge is still in a damaged condition, we’re hopeful this work will safeguard its future until a long-term restoration plan can be developed,” said Kentucky Department of Highways District 9 Chief Engineer Bart Bryant, whose office is overseeing the project, according to The Ledger Independent. “Covered bridges are highly valued in our communities, and we are committed to their preservation.”

The covered bridge will remain closed until further notice due to safety concerns.