The Bridges of Union County, Ohio
Listed below is a brief description of the Bridges of Union County. Also known as the Axe Handle Bridge, this historic bridge, in Milford Center, was built in 1873 and spans 114’ of Little Darby Creek. The bridge was named in honor of Eliphas Bigelow, a nearby resident. In 1990 the bridge underwent an extensive renovation. Massive nail-laminated arches were seated into new concrete foundations. The arch system now carries the weight of traffic on this bridge. Be sure to examine the inside of this remarkable bridge! The bridge was painted red in 2008. This 94’ bridge spans Treacle Creek and was built in 1868 by Reuben Partridge. There are canopies on both sides of the bridge and scrolls located at each end. The bridge was originally located on State Route 4 and was moved prior to 1953. In 1961 the bridge underwent repairs and piers were added to give extra support. In 1977 a "run around" was constructed for farm equipment and other large, heavy vehicles. In 1987, the bridge was rehabilitated. Glue laminate girders were installed with glue laminated floor beams suspended from the girders. The bridge is located on Winget Rd. in Milford Center. This bridge was formerly in the location of the North
Lewisburg Road Covered Bridge. It was designed and built by Reuben
Partridge in 1868. The full-length canopy was added in 1937. In 1949,
extensive repairs were made. Three 6’ by 10’ I-beams were placed under
each corner span. It was also reinforced with plumb and anchor rods. This bridge, in Milford Center, replaces a steel Pratt bridge that was constructed in 1914. This new bridge, built in 2006, is a modified Pratt Truss and spans an impressive 160’ in length. This bridge is currently the longest single-span wooden bridge in Ohio. The new two-lane covered bridge was built to stand proudly for generations. From the bridge one can enjoy beautiful vistas of the Big Darby Creek! In 2006, a new covered bridge was built over Big Darby Creek Scenic River. This new bridge is a modified Pratt Truss with sub-structures built out of the creek. The bridge is 135’ in length with two lanes to accommodate recent increases in traffic. The bridge is located in Marysville. This beautiful covered bridge spans 64’ over Spain Creek. The bridge was designed and built by Reuben Partridge in the 1870s. Beltz Grist Mill on Big Darby Creek was one of the earliest built in this township. Farther downstream, the Wetaeo Mill was built in 1848, and Hanes Finley set up a steam power saw on the Milford-Allen Center Pike. Spain Creek currently achieves criteria associated with the exceptional warm water habitat and cold water habitat use designations by the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency. The bridge is located on Inskeep Cratty Rd. in North Lewisburg. Completed in 2010, this two-lane bridge spans 125 feet
and is located in the southeastern part of the county near Ostrander. The
bridge was replaced an outdated steel truss, single-lane bridge that was
built in 1913. |