Repairs Planned For Damaged Covered Bridge

The Otter Creek Covered Bridge in western Ripley County saw part of its roof torn off by strong winds in late February.

The roof of the Otter Creek Covered Bridge near Holton, Indiana was damaged in a late February wind storm. Photo by Jack Clevenger, Eagle Country 99.3.

(Ripley County, Ind.) - Ripley County officials are planning repairs to a historic covered bridge built in 1884.

High winds in late February badly damaged the roof of the Otter Creek Covered Bridge near Holton. The 112-foot wooden bridge along County Road 850 West has been off-limits for vehicles since 1996, but remains open to pedestrians.

Ripley County Highway superintendent Ray Toops says the county is now accepting bids from companies who could repair the covered bridge’s roof. County commissioners could vote to accept a repair bid at an upcoming meeting.

The bridge was inspected and do structural damage was found. The covered bridge’s roof is not considered historic, as it was replaced about 20 years ago.

Toops is hopefully the damaged bridge roof will be replaced in a matter of weeks.

Only about 90 covered bridges still exist in Indiana. The Otter Creek Bridge is one of two historic covered bridges in Ripley County. The other is the Busching Bridge at the Versailles State Park built in 1885.

Photo by Jack Clevenger, Eagle Country 99.3.