Yatesville Covered Bridge, Fallsburg Kentucky
One of two covered bridges in Lawrence County, Yatesville is the older of the pair, dating from 1907. It is located in the center of one of the flatter sides of meandering Blaine Creek, near Spankem Branch.
Like many bridges built after the 1880s, it utilizes William Howe's popular truss design. The steel rods were easily shipped and truss timbers could be prefabricated, making possible a quick assembly.
At one time Kentucky had hundreds of covered bridges spanning her rivers. Just prior to World War II, sixty-five were still standing. By 1952, the numbers had shrunk to thirty-nine. Now only sixteen remain. These sixteen, which represent a variety of structural types, are concentrated in the central and northeast sections of the state in the small communities or rural areas of the state.
Many reasons have been offered to explain the construction of covered bridges in Kentucky during the 19th century. The road across the bridges were kept dry and free of snow in winter. Most important, however, was the protection the covering over the bridges provided against the deterioration of the wood. It permitted the timbered trusses and braces to season properly and kept water out of the joints. The life of the bridge was, therefore, significantly prolonged, averaging, generally seven to eight times that of one left uncovered.
Bridge Description
The Yatesville Covered Bridge of Lawrence County (near the West Virginia Border) is located over Blaine Creek about 1000 yards off Yatesville Road. (the community of Yatesville is now virtually non-existent).
The wooden structure is of William Howe's truss design. The board-and-batten siding is open at the top under the eaves in a clerestory-like effect and corrugated tin provides roofing. A single span of 128 feet, the bridge was for a long time painted barn-red.
About 25 yards to the south of the bridge is a stream-gauging station.
The bridge is no longer open to vehicular traffic. A pulleyed steel sedan beside the bridge has replaced its function, except for vehicles.
According to Kentucky Department of Transportation measurements, the Yatesville Covered Bridge in Lawrence County is 130 feet in length.
