In what some may say is an area “out in the middle of nowhere” in Ripley County, Indiana, travelers will stumble upon a unique and historic covered bridge. Built in 1884 by Thomas A. Hardman, this bridge has a unique history as well.
Closed to road traffic in 1996, it is now open only to foot traffic.
The Otter Creek Bridge, also known locally as the Holton Bridge, is constructed with the Howe truss system. This design was invented by a William Howe, an American architect born in 1803. The Howe truss design, patented in 1840, became one of the most popular structural designs and continued to see use in later metal bridge designs.
View of the 113 foot bridge over Otter Creek
Maj examining the deck timber supports
A good view of the Howe truss system, and the roof supports as well
Nice information signage!
The bridge is in excellent condition
The bridge in 1943 (courtesy bridgehunter.com)
The bridge roof was partially ripped off during a straight line wind storm just months after it was placed on the National Register of Historic Places. Repairs were completed quickly and the structure again opened to pedestrian traffic. This piece of American history is located in a peaceful and beautiful setting and worth the drive to see.
Roadtirement 
Wonderful bridge.
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Thanks, it’s in great shape.
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It’s a beautiful bridge, why was it closed to all but foot traffic? Structural fatigue and age? It looks like one of the two trees is still standing based on the 1943 photo. Great post!
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They actually re routed the road that went through this bridge, and the new road had a ‘modern’ bridge built. The side view image was taken from the new bridge. So there was no longer road access. The bridge could still handle light weight traffic, I suppose, but the road is gone, LOL.
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I see, I suppose they were proactive to save money on future repairs due to heave use. Cars today certainly weigh more.
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I suspect the primary focus was improving the road, not so much protecting the bridge. The farming community I am sure appreciated the new road and bridge. Most of the covered bridges that are left have low (< 6 ton) limits. It worked out that they saved the bridge. Usually the old bridge is destroyed and is replaced with a new bridge at the same water span.
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Six tonnes isn’t much capacity!
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Some are even 5 ton limits too…
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That’s a bit better. Cars and trucks are much heavier now than they were back in the day.
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Thank you very much for such an interesting post and excellent, informative photos.
Joanna
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We’re so glad you enjoy the post and images, Joanna! 🙂
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I love covered bridges. So pretty!
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This is a very nice, well maintained bridge.
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Beautiful bridge.
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Thanks, Tim
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Nice images of the bridges here🔥🔥. I like how you show us the bridge and its views plus adding text about who built the bridge and stuff, you can become a good storyteller one day🙌
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Glad you like the photos. I await the day you pronounce me “a good storyteller”.
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This is so informative and interesting. I just watched ‘The Bridges of Madison County’ so have only just been introduced to covered bridges like these!
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Thank you! That is a great movie with lots of star power. Weather permitting, we’ll be out today with 4 or 5 more bridges on our list. Stay tuned!
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Beautiful historic bridge!❤️
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Thanks so much!
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Great tips regrading Structural design. You provided the best information which helps us a lot. Thanks for sharing the wonderful information.
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