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Barbour
County, West Virginia
(WGN
48-01-01) (WGCB WV-01-01) (1852; renovated 1934, 1938 rebuilt
1991) A double-barrel four-span Long with Burr arch truss 301'
1" over the Tygart Valley River. Located: In Philippi,
West Virginia on US 250. Directions: Located in Philippi, West
Virginia on US 250, at the junction with US 119. Built at a cost
of $12,181.24, it was originally a two-span toll bridge, carrying
the Staunton-Parkersburg Turnpike across the Tygart Valley River, at Philippi,
West Virginia whence the bridge derives its name. It currently carries
US 250 automobile traffic (heavy trucks are rerouted around the structure)
across the river, and is the only covered bridge in the United States carrying
a Federal Highway. It also the oldest, the longest and the
widest (27' 5" wide) authentic covered bridge remaining in West Virginia.
It is the second longest and widest authentic covered bridge in the southeastern
United States. The Philippi bridge has been severely damaged at least
7 times by large, heavy trucks, floods and fire. The bridge suffered
severe fire damage on February 2, 1989 and was rebuilt, retaining its original
appearance. It was reopened to traffic on September 16, 1991.
The two-lane or "Double-Barreled" bridge has a fourteen-panel, single-post
Long truss sandwiched between a double Burr arch, for each of the original
two spans. The truss running along the outside walls as usual, with
a third truss running down the center of the bridge, separating the two
lanes. The Burr arches positioned along the outer sides of the Long
truss are visible along each side of the bridge, as the arches protrude
beyond the siding. The bridges timbers were cut from native Yellow
Poplar. In 1934, four large steel I-beam stringers and two poured
concrete support piers, centered under each of the original spans, were
added, creating a four-span bridge. In 1938, concrete slabs replaced
the wood plank flooring. An external aluminum-railed, cement floored,
uncovered walkway was added on the upstream side, during the 1934 alterations.
The bridge is in fully exposed settings, with small parks on both ends
of the upstream side, which offer visitors parking. Also known as
the Tygart River Covered Bridge. The bridge is owned by West
Virginia. On September 14, 1972 it became the first historic covered
bridge in West Virginia to be listed on the National Register of Historic
Places. (Jun 2005) |
