Lowell Bridge facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Lowell Covered Bridge |
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The Lowell Covered Bridge from the interpretive center
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| Coordinates | 43°54′34″N 122°46′46″W / 43.9095702°N 122.7795150°W |
| Carries | Pioneer Street |
| Crosses | Dexter Lake |
| Locale | Near Lowell, Oregon, U.S. |
| Other name(s) | Middle Fork Willamette River Covered Bridge |
| Preceded by | First Lowell Bridge (replaced in 1945) |
| Followed by | Pioneer Street (bypassed) |
| Characteristics | |
| Design | Covered Howe truss |
| Total length | 165 feet (50 m) |
| Clearance below | 2 feet (0.6 m) when dammed |
| History | |
| Opened | 1945 |
| Closed | 1981 |
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Lowell Bridge
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| Nearest city | Lowell, Oregon |
| Area | 0.3 acres (0.12 ha) |
| Built | 1945 |
| MPS | Oregon Covered Bridges TR |
| NRHP reference No. | 79002085 |
| Added to NRHP | November 29, 1979 |
The Lowell Bridge is a special kind of bridge called a covered bridge. You can find it in Lowell, Oregon, in the United States. The first bridge here was built in 1907. The one you see today was built in 1945. This bridge is so important that it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979!
Contents
The Story of Lowell Bridge
Early Days of Lowell
Long ago, in 1874, a brave pioneer named Amos Hyland settled by the Middle Fork Willamette River. He started a town and named it Lowell, just like his hometown in Maine. Around the same time, a railroad was being built through the area.
Before any bridges, Amos Hyland ran a ferry to help people cross the river. This ferry was used until 1907.
Building the First Bridge
In 1907, the first bridge was built by a person named Nels Roney. He was also known for building another famous building, the Shelton-McMurphey-Johnson House in Eugene.
A New Bridge in 1945
In 1945, something unexpected happened. A truck accidentally hit the bridge and caused a lot of damage. Because of this, the old bridge had to be replaced.
The new bridge, which is the one you see today, was built in 1945. It was designed to be very wide. Engineers also made sure that even when the dam was built, there would be about 2 feet (0.6 m) of space under the bridge for water to flow.
Lowell Bridge After 1979
Becoming a Historic Place
On November 29, 1979, the Lowell Bridge was officially added to the National Register of Historic Places. This means it's a very important historical site!
Another Accident and Repairs
Even after becoming a historic place, the bridge faced another challenge. A new concrete road was being built to go around the bridge. While this work was happening, a dump truck with its back part lifted drove through the bridge. This caused major damage again!
Luckily, the bridge was repaired. Workers added new roof supports and boards. A few weeks later, the new bypass road was opened, so cars no longer needed to drive over the historic covered bridge.
The Interpretive Center
In 2006, a special place called an interpretive center was built near the bridge. It cost about $1.2 million and was a team effort by several groups, including the Lane County government and the United States Forest Service.
This center has signs that tell you all about the history of covered bridges in Lane County. It also shares interesting facts about the area around Lowell and the Lowell Bridge itself. It's a great place to learn more!
