Bridgeport Covered Bridge
by Ben Prepelka
Title
Bridgeport Covered Bridge
Artist
Ben Prepelka
Medium
Photograph
Description
Laying claim to the longest single span covered bridge of America, the Bridgeport Bridge was recently reopened after its refurbishment. While the old Blenheim Bridge, located in southeastern New York, was always in contention for the longest single-span covered bridge, it had washed away in 2011. Even thought the Blenheim has since been rebuilt, the Bridgeport Bridge still holds the record measuring 208 feet long. The construction of this historic California landmark is quite a remarkable achievement. Crossing the chilly waters of the South Fork of the Yuba river, the (Nyes Crossing) bridge was built in 1862.
One of only ten California covered bridges, the bridge is the centerpiece for the South Yuba River State Park. Utilizing a combination of a Burr and Howe trusses, the Bridgeport Bridge main support timbers are unique. Two 5"x 14" Douglas fir timbers sandwiched the Howe truss, while an auxiliary Burr truss strengthens the assembly on the outside. It’s the Burr truss arch that is visible from the bridge exterior. Although the pine shakes give the Yuba River Bridge its unique appearance, the siding is primarily used to protect these massive timbers. Because most of the old-growth forest have been cut, these precious long span trusses are unable to be duplicated today.
A 6.9 million dollar rehabilitation project was finally completed in October 2021. All who attended were especially grateful to the Save Our Bridge group and the countless number of workers.
Uploaded
August 29th, 2022
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Comments (17)
Linda Unger
Wow this is just amazing! Super looking bridge! I've got to get to more bridges when I go up East this Fall! FAV!
Don Columbus
Congratulations, your work is Featured in "Photographic Camera Art" I invite you to place it in the group's "2020-2022 Featured Image Archive" Discussion!
Michael Mazaika
Great description, Ben. I'm grateful for their preservation efforts as well as yours with this shot.- Mike (V/F)
Joseph Schofield
Congratulations on the Roadside feature Ben! I never really think of California when looking at images of covered bridges; glad to know there are some here. Thanks for the great historical backgroud. L/F
HH Photography of Florida
Wonderful capture of this refurbished covered bridge, Ben. Nice lighting and narrative. L/fv
Holly April Harris
What a wonderful image! Congratulations! I’m am very pleased to feature your beautiful image in the group ‘Covered Bridges and Historical Buildings.’ It’s a wonderful addition to the group! Please add it to the “2022 Third Quarter Featured Image Collection” thread in the discussions area for a permanent record of your feature. Thank you! 8/30/22