Wimer Bridge facts for kids
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Wimer Bridge
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Formerly listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places
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The 2008 version of the bridge
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 Location in Oregon
Location in the United States
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| Built | 1927 (1892) (2008) |
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| Built by | Hartman Brothers of Jacksonville (1927 version) |
| Architectural style | Queenpost truss (1927 version) |
| NRHP reference No. | 79002075 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Listed | November 29, 1979 |
| Removed from NRHP | after bridge collapse in 2003 |
The Wimer Bridge is a special covered bridge in Jackson County, Oregon. It crosses Evans Creek, which later flows into the Rogue River. The bridge is near the small community of Wimer.
The bridge you see today is not the first one built here. Over the years, three different bridges have stood in this spot. The version built in 1927 was even listed on the National Register of Historic Places because it was so important.
Contents
A Bridge Through Time
The Wimer Bridge has a long history. It shows how communities work together to keep important structures.
The First Bridges
The very first covered bridge at this location was built in 1892. A person named J. W. Osbourne built it. This bridge helped people cross Evans Creek for many years.
Later, in 1927, a new covered bridge was built to replace the old one. This 1927 bridge was about 85 feet (26 meters) long. It carried East Evans Creek County Road over the water. This bridge was very important for local travel.
Challenges and Repairs
Over time, the 1927 bridge started to get old and worn out. In 1962, people from the community helped fix it up. They wanted to keep their historic bridge in good shape.
However, by the mid-1970s, the bridge was in bad condition again. It had to be closed for safety. More repairs were done in 1985, and the bridge was reopened. But it could only hold light vehicles, first with an eight-ton limit, then later just three tons.
The Collapse and Rebuilding
Sadly, the 1927 bridge collapsed in 2003. It fell about 40 feet (12 meters) into the creek below. A few people who were on the bridge at the time were injured.
After the collapse, the community decided to build a new bridge. In 2008, a new Wimer Bridge was opened. This new bridge looks very much like the old covered bridge. It was built with help from federal money and local workers.
The New Wimer Bridge
The 2008 bridge uses modern materials to make it strong and safe. It has special trusses (support structures) that are reinforced with metal. The beams look like wood but are actually laminated (made of layers). The roof looks like old wooden shingles but is made of industrial material.
This new bridge is still 17 feet (5.2 meters) wide, just like the original. It is a one-way bridge and can now hold vehicles up to 10 tons. The new Wimer Bridge opened for traffic in February 2008. It continues to serve the community and reminds everyone of its long history.
