Grays River Covered Bridge

The Grays River Covered Bridge is a one-lane covered bridge over the Grays River in western Wahkiakum County, Washington.[2] It is the only covered bridge still in use as a public highway in Washington State. The bridge was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1971.[3]

Grays River Covered Bridge
Coordinates46°21′17.60″N 123°34′52.12″W
CarriesCovered Bridge Road
CrossesGrays River
LocaleGrays River, Washington
Heritage statusNRHP
Characteristics
DesignHowe truss
MaterialTimber
Total length155.5 feet (47.4 m)
Width14 feet (4.3 m)
Height22.5 feet (6.9 m)
Clearance above16.75 feet (5.11 m)
History
Construction end1905
Grays River Covered Bridge
The Grays River Covered Bridge in 1988
MPSHistoric Bridges/Tunnels in Washington State TR (AD)
NRHP reference No.71000880[1]
Added to NRHPNovember 23, 1971
Location

History

The bridge was built in 1905 in order to allow horse and wagon agricultural traffic to cross the river. Hans P. Ahlberg, whose dairy farm spanned both sides of the river, was instrumental in getting county commissioners to authorize the project, which was built on his property by the Ferguson & Huston company of Astoria, Oregon.[4] The bridge was covered three years later in 1908 to preserve the expensive wooden trusses from the ravages of the area rains.[5] The roof of the covered bridge was originally built of "board and batten cedar siding with a capped tin roof."[4]

The bridge received a major restoration and reconstruction in 1988. In disrepair and at risk of being torn down, residents worked to raise funds for restoration. Reconstruction was completed by Dulin Construction of Centralia, Washington, for a cost of $295,980.00. The new bridge included steel beams some of which received a wood veneer to maintain the bridge's historic appearance.[4] On September 30, 1989, the bridge was rededicated to public use, with author, granger, and Grays River resident Robert Michael Pyle serving as master of ceremonies.[5]

Engineering

The Howe truss timber bridge with timber decking spans 155.5 feet (47.4 m), is 22.5 feet (6.9 m) high with 16.75 feet (5.11 m) inside clearance, and is 14 feet (4.3 m) wide. Cedar shingles cover the exterior.[4]

  • 1905 bridge plans drawn up by Ferguson & Houston of Astoria, Oregon
    1905 bridge plans drawn up by Ferguson & Houston of Astoria, Oregon
  • Inside the Grays River Covered Bridge showing the Howe truss
    Inside the Grays River Covered Bridge showing the Howe truss

Management

The bridge is the centerpiece of Ahlberg Park, which has been managed by the Grays River Grange since 2011[6][7] and is the site of an annual Covered Bridge Festival.[8][9]

See also

References
  1. "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service. January 23, 2007.
  2. "Grays River Covered Bridge". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey, United States Department of the Interior.
  3. "National Register of Historic Places Registration Form". National Park Service. November 23, 1971. Retrieved April 20, 2015.
  4. Bruce, Robin (August 1991). "Grays River Covered Bridge" (PDF). Historic American Engineering Record. Washington, D.C.: Library of Congress. Retrieved April 7, 2011.
  5. Ammer, Darlene (August 19, 2010). "Grange News". The Wahkiakum County Eagle. Retrieved June 11, 2015.
  6. Ammer, Darlene (October 13, 2011). "Grange News". The Wahkiakum County Eagle. Retrieved June 11, 2015.
  7. "Information: Grays River Covered Bridge". Wahkiakum County Chamber of Commerce. Retrieved June 11, 2015.
  8. Richenda, P. "Virtual Valley Tour: Grays River Covered Bridge". GraysRiver.org. Grays River United Methodist Church. Retrieved June 11, 2015.
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