Johnson Creek Covered Bridge

The Johnson Creek Covered Bridge, a single-span covered (Robert) Smith truss, was constructed by Jacob N. Bower ⁸ in 1874. ^{1 2 8 12} Around 1912, Bower’s son, Louis, added an arch and iron rods on each side to support increased traffic that had been using the crossing. ^{2 12} A pier was also added to strengthen the center of the lower chords. ¹²

The bridge was closed to traffic in 1966 when it was bypassed with a new alignment. An arson attempt severely damaged the bridge in 1968, leaving it with no roof or siding, ¹² which was not repaired until 1972. ¹¹

A flood along Johnson Creek in 1997 caused the bridge to separate from the foundation, resulting in the bridge’s superstructure leaning. ^{1 4} The state made $643,432 available for restoration of the covered span in 2001, ² although the bid came in overestimates at $1 million. ⁴ In 2006, the state incorporated a design-build approach during the project procurement phase, where contract bids were selected from firms with the expertise to combine the aesthetics of design and technical needs of construction. ⁹

Work to restore the Johnson Creek Covered Bridge began on June 30, 2007. ^{4 10} Between June 30 and July 1, a “horizontal tower of steel” was guided through the bridge to stabilize the structure. ⁶ Approximately 75% of the original materials were retained in the restoration work, which was finished by Arnold M Graton Associates of New Hampshire in late April 2009. ¹⁰

The Johnson Creek Covered Bridge is the only example of a Smith truss in the state. ^{1 2 8}