Spellacy Covered Bridge

Nestled along the Scenic Mohican River, in Holmes County Ohio, the 300 ft Spellacy Covered Bridge is the largest Local-Let Project the county has taken on (to date) with Ohio Department of Transportation District 11. Designed to last 125 years, this bridge is a destination for leaf peepers, paddlers and drivers alike.
 
This bridge opened in 2023, replacing an iron truss bridge. The Spellacy Covered Bridge is constructed out of southern pine glulam and rough sawn southern pine timbers. Timber structures are fairly unique to bridge construction and as a result there are very few contractors, designers and engineers available that have the expertise and experience required to understand and anticipate the uniquely timber challenges this natural material can create. Coordination between the manufacturers, engineers and contractor was paramount on this project, as the manufacturing tolerances for wood are much larger than traditional steel and concrete construction on account of the wood treatment process. This required significant patience and skilled carpenters in manufacturing and daily communications, regular site visits and overall exceptional partnerships between all stakeholders in order to properly marry the natural wood elements and fabricated steel connections. This bridge opened on September 1, 2023 a mere 361 days after the Notice to Proceed was delivered to the contractor, and just before the long Labor Day weekend and in perfect time for peak color season in Ohio.
 
"It's a stunning piece of architecture that is certain to bring many people to the area just to see it because of the sheer magnitude and beauty of it." - Dave Hall, Holmes County Commissioner