How it is possible that I can be the first to review the longest covered bridge in the United States 7 years after it was built is beyond me. I would certainly have thought someone in the Ohio area would have snagged this FTR, but let me just say I am honored it is me. Designed by John Smolen, Jr.(former Ashtabula County Engineer), this 613 foot long beauty is a whopping 51 feet wide and sits 93 feet off the ground!!! The bridge itself is actually a series of four individual 152 foot sections and is currently the fourth longest covered bridge in the world. It is the third bridge to be constructed at this site. Cost to build this bridge was approximately $ 7.8 million dollars when it was completed in 2008, carried two lanes of traffic and features covered walkways on both sides. If you drive down the side road on the east side of the bridge, you can get a clear visual of the enormity of this project. You can also see the section of state road that was bypassed and realigned to create this bridge. FINALTHOUGHTS On the west end of the bridge is a lovely parking area for a trail system. Lots of information here on the 17 covered bridges of Ashtabula County. IF you are an admirer of covered bridges, this should be on your bucket list to visit.
