Covered bridge
A covered bridge is a timber-truss bridge with a roof, decking, and siding, which in most covered bridges create an almost complete enclosure. The purpose of the covering is to protect the wooden structural members from the weather. Uncovered wooden bridges typically have a lifespan of only 20 years because of the effects of rain and sun, but a covered bridge can last over 100 years. In the United States, only about 1 in 10 survived the 20th century. The relatively small number of surviving bridges is due to deliberate replacement, neglect, and the high cost of restoration.
The Cogan House Covered Bridge, Pennsylvania | |
| Ancestor | Truss bridge, others |
|---|---|
| Descendant | None |
| Carries | Pedestrians, livestock, vehicles |
| Span range | Short |
| Material | Typically wood beams with iron fittings and iron rods in tension |
| Movable | No |
| Design effort | Low |
| Falsework required | Determined by enclosed bridge structure, site conditions, and degree of prefabrication |
Surviving covered bridges often attract touristic attention due to their rarity, quaint appearance, and bucolic settings. Many are considered historic and have been the subject of historic preservation campaigns.