Skip to main content

Bridges of Allen Township

Allen Township’s bridges are landmarks that connect past and present. From 19th-century covered trusses to modern engineered spans, these structures tell the story of our community’s development and ingenuity. Learn about the history, design, and enduring importance of the bridges that cross the Big Darby Creek and other waterways in our township.

Pottersburg Covered Bridge (Upper Darby Bridge)

Built in 1868 by Reuben L. Partridge of Marysville, Ohio, the Pottersburg Covered Bridge is one of Allen Township’s most historically significant structures. Originally spanning nearly 100 feet over the Big Darby Creek on North Lewisburg Road, the bridge served travelers for more than a century.

In 2006, the bridge was carefully relocated to its current location off Inskeep–Cratty Road, where it was renovated and incorporated into a multi-use walking path connecting to the Village of North Lewisburg in Champaign County. Today, the bridge stands as a preserved landmark celebrating Allen Township’s early transportation history.

Built: 1868
Builder: Reuben L. Partridge
Original Location: North Lewisburg Road
Current Location: Inskeep–Cratty Road (walking trail)
Span: Nearly 100 feet
Type: Historic covered bridge

Built in 1868 by Reuben L. Partridge, this historic covered bridge was relocated in 2006 and preserved as part of a scenic walking trail.

Constructed in the 1870s, this 64-foot bridge is the smallest historic covered bridge in Union County and one of Reuben Partridge’s remaining designs.

Spain Creek Covered Bridge

Designed and constructed by Reuben Partridge in the 1870s, the Spain Creek Covered Bridge measures 64 feet, making it the smallest historic covered bridge in Union County. Spain Creek flows beneath the bridge before joining the nearby Big Darby Creek.

The bridge is one of five remaining covered bridges built by Partridge, with four located in Union County and one in Franklin County. Windows and awnings were added prior to the 1930s to improve visibility for automobile traffic. In 1988, the bridge was rehabilitated by constructing a structural bridge inside the covered bridge to preserve its original wood trusses.

Built: 1870s
Builder: Reuben Partridge
Length: 64 feet
Creek: Spain Creek (near Big Darby Creek)
Distinction: Smallest historic covered bridge in Union County
Rehabilitation: 1988

Buck Run Covered Bridge

The Buck Run Covered Bridge was constructed in 2006 by the Righter Company using a Pratt-type truss design. Dedicated in 2007, the bridge spans 160 feet across the Big Darby Creek and was the longest single-span covered bridge in Ohio at the time of its construction.

Built to support two lanes of traffic, Buck Run Bridge combines modern engineering with traditional covered bridge design, serving as both a functional roadway and a point of local pride.

Built: 2006
Builder: Righter Company
Span: 160 feet
Creek: Big Darby Creek
Type: Pratt-style covered bridge
Notable: Longest single-span covered bridge in Ohio at time of construction

Dedicated in 2007, this two-lane bridge spans 160 feet over the Big Darby Creek and was the longest single-span covered bridge in Ohio at the time of construction.

Built in 2006, this modern two-lane bridge replaced the original Pottersburg Bridge while continuing to provide safe passage over the Big Darby Creek.

North Lewisburg Road Bridge

Constructed in 2006, the North Lewisburg Road Bridge is a 135-foot, two-lane bridge built using a modified Pratt Truss design. It spans the Big Darby Creek and replaced the original Pottersburg Bridge when that historic structure was relocated for preservation and pedestrian use.

This bridge continues to provide safe and efficient travel while honoring the township’s commitment to preserving historic infrastructure.

Built: 2006
Length: 135 feet
Design: Modified Pratt Truss
Lanes: Two
Creek: Big Darby Creek
Purpose: Replaced original Pottersburg Bridge