April 30, 2026
After being struck in an April 18 crash, the Bigelow Covered Bridge on Axe Handle Road will be closed indefinitely until officials can further assess the damages. Pictured above is the damage to the bridge’s western wall, which is a point of concern for the engineer’s office. (Photo submitted)
Covered bridge struck in crash could be closed for some time
By Michael Williamson, Richwood Gazette
Union County Engineer Jeff Stauch said the damage done to the Bigelow Covered Bridge over the weekend could potentially interfere with its structural integrity.
Either way, he said, the historic bridge on Axe Handle Road will be closed indefinitely until a more extensive assessment can be done.
Damage caused by a crash on the bridge on April 18 brought what Stauch said was a concerning injury to the bridge’s western wall.
“There was some damage to the timber arches, which is one of the primary structural components of the bridge,” he said. “The truss on one end was damaged substantially.”
According to the c…
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