The Historic Harpersfield Covered Bridge in Ohio

The historic Harpersfield Covered Bridge spans across the Grand River in Ashtabula County, Ohio. It was built in 1868 and is the third longest bridge in the state. The double-span Howe Truss bridge is one of 16 that is still open to vehicular traffic in the county.

Back in 1913 a major flood washed away the northern end of the bridge. To repair it they replaced the damaged span with a new spam made from steel. The total length of the bridge (currently) is 228 feet long. In 1991 and 1992 they renovated the bridge and added a walkway for visitors to get from one side to the other, without interfering with vehicular traffic.

In 1975 the historic Harpersfield Covered Bridge was added to the National Register of Historic Places. There is a historical marker on-site that reads as follows:

Harpersfield Covered Bridge

Replacing an earlier bridge that was carried away in a spring flood, the Harpersfield Covered Bridge was built in 1868 and spans the Grand River, a state-designated wild, and scenic river. This bridge, which currently carries County Road #154 (Harpersfield Road), is a two-span wooden Howe truss bridge, with center pier. The great flood of 1913 washed away the northern approach and it was at this time that the additional 140 foot steel truss was added. Extensive rehabilitation in 1992 included strengthening the lower chords, lowering and replacing the floor, and adding a cantilevered walkway. The 228-foot-long Harpersfield Bridge is the longest covered bridge in Ohio and is on the National Register of Historic Places.

By: 1996 by Harpersfield Heritage Society and The Ohio Historical Society.