Roann Covered Bridge, Roann Indiana

Date added: January 20, 2024 Categories: Indiana Covered Bridges Howe Truss

The Roann Covered Bridge is one of only two remaining covered bridges in Wabash County (out of an original 29).

The bridge was constructed in 1877 by the Smith Bridge Company of Toledo, Ohio. It is a Howe truss, a common type in Indiana, although far less common than the Burr arch.

The bridge stands on the site of a ford on the trail from Rochester to Wabash Town, now County Road 700 West. The present bridge is the fourth covered bridge to be located at this site, the first built in 1841, the second in 1845, and the third in 1856.

The bridge was built in Toledo, marked, disassembled, transported and rebuilt on the site, as was a common practice at the time.

Bridge Description

The Roann Covered Bridge crosses the Eel River just north of Roann, Indiana, on County Road 700 West. This Howe truss was constructed in 1877 by the Smith Bridge Company of Toledo, Ohio.

The bridge is 288 feet in length and 15.3 feet wide, with a 14.7 foot roadway. The vertical clearance is 18.5 feet, and the design load capability is 15 tons (although a sign at the entrance says "Weight limit 4 tons").

Abutments are of stone, although in 1972 steel bracing was added at the ends. Another pier supports the center of the bridge.

The bridge has painted board and batten siding. A 4½ bay opening in the siding on the east side of the south end provides a view of oncoming traffic. This opening is protected by awnings. The siding stops short of the upper chord, allowing light and ventilation into the bridge.

The gabled roof projects beyond the ends of the bridge, supported by knee bracing and sheltering the entrances. The bracing is sheathed in board and batten siding, which continues a short distance inside the bridge, protecting the end panels from the elements. The siding covering the gable end has a very slight arch shaping the head of the opening. On each gable end is a sign that reads, "Roann, Eel River, Bridge Built 1877."

The floor of the bridge was replaced in 1953. The bridge was restored in 1972, and the siding was replaced. The window opening was moved down a few feet at that time to better accommodate automobile traffic.