On the way from home base in central Indiana to family in Columbus, Ohio, a bit of research revealed the locations of a few covered bridges. If you have visited our site before, you probably know of our enjoyment visiting, photographing, and sharing our findings. Having noted a location of the Hyde Road bridge, we were quite surprised when we noted on the signage that the bridge was built in 2014!
OK, it is covered, but a cupula?
While the exterior of the structure was not at all similar to the “classic” covered bridge designs a stroll through the bridge revealed the very familiar Howe through truss design. The two metal rods for posts and the angled braces and counter braces are very familiar. Those braces had a metal fitting for attachment to the top and bottom chords, and rafter fasteners were different including modern truss nail plates.
Truss design is familiar, details vary from “normal”
A different multi window design
Modern designed deck supports
The bridge spans the Little Miami Scenic Trail on E Hyde Road. We did see several bike riders enjoying the wide paved trail that runs under the new bridge. One other change from the old classic covered bridges is the thin asphalt pavement overlay on the bridge deck . While the clip-clop of equine hoofs do sound out, not having a wood deck is, well, a bit hard to appreciate.
This was built when??
Window view of the bike trail
The Hyde Road Bridge is also known as the Richard P Eastman Covered Bridge, the name of which shows on Google maps. The bridge was constructed by R.G. Zachrich Construction who has constructed other reproduction bridges in the state.
Roadtirement 
It’s a very attractive bridge, modern or not but a wood deck would be better.
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Great design with Xes in the windows.
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Those braces do hit right on some of the window openings. I got a kick out of the old Howe truss design as a base with ‘modern’ construction techniques/systems in play.
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I liked the window awnings. I guess the upside is if you get caught out in the rain while walking or biking, you can take shelter.
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With the metal roof, I bet it would get quite loud on the bridge in a rain storm, but, like you say, you’d be dry. Thanks!
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I love the sound of rain on a metal roof. Grew up in houses that had tin roofs, and I have been known to put a metal table outside my window to recreate the sound. 🙂
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What a cute idea, putting the table outside to catch the sounds… 😉
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Interesting. I love seeing your covered bridges. What is the purpose of the cupola on the top? I loved seeing the little pony and cart. What a cutie and his driver was telling him he was a “good boy”. That is nice
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I have no idea why the cupola. This is a new design (2014) at least for the exterior. The truss system is the old Howe design. The lady was very nice, her pony was on his 3rd time under harness and behaving very well…
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Yes that is a good pony to be new to harness and going so well into the covered bridge.
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I find that intriguing. I like the whole idea about covered bridges, which will give shelter to travellers in bad weather. Houses are also built in new ways, why not covered bridges, as long as they look nice? It is a tradition worth continuing.
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An interesting viewpoint Stella. What I found interesting about this one was the old truss system coupled with a different look and feel of the finished product. Thank you very much for sharing with us! 🙂
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Just to clarify, I don’t want the old bridges destroyed though … 🙂 … they should be kept for history and to show the craftmanship of those days.
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Really beautiful
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We appreciate your kind comment.
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Thank you so much
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Love this!
Can I write you a blog post?
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