Built in 1868, the Middle Road Covered Bridge is a historic landmark in Conneaut, Ohio, spanning Conneaut Creek in the heart of Ashtabula County. The approximately 136-foot bridge is an excellent example of a nineteenth-century Howe truss covered bridge and is one of the surviving structures that help tell the story of Ohio’s early transportation history.
The bridge has survived more than 150 years of changing weather, transportation, and development, including a dramatic incident in January 1984 when the northern end of the structure dropped approximately 18 feet. Fearing that the bridge could collapse into Conneaut Creek, local officials, engineers, county employees, and volunteers worked together to stabilize and restore the structure. The rehabilitation was completed later that year, preserving an important piece of the county’s history.
Today, the Middle Road Covered Bridge continues to carry traffic while maintaining much of the quiet, rural character that has surrounded it for generations. Nestled among the trees along Conneaut Creek, the bridge offers a particularly scenic setting for photography throughout the year. Its historic wooden construction, surrounding forest, and creek-side location make it a striking example of the covered bridges that have become one of Ashtabula County’s most recognizable features.