Grays River Covered Bridge

Grays River Covered Bridge
U.S. National Register of Historic Places
Nearest city:	Grays River, Washington
Coordinates:	46°21′17.46″N 123°34′46.87″W
Built:	1905
Architect:	Unknown
Governing body:	Local
MPS:	Historic Bridges/Tunnels in Washington State TR (AD)
NRHP Reference#:	71000880
Added to NRHP:	November 23, 1971

The bridge's NRHP plaque

The Grays River Covered Bridge is a one-lane wooden covered bridge over the Grays River in western Wahkiakum County, Washington. The bridge is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is the only covered bridge still in use by the public in Washington State. The bridge rests as the centerpiece of the Alhberg Park in Wahkiakum County. The park hosts the Grays River Covered Bridge Festival every two years.

History

The bridge itself was built in 1905 by dairy farmer Hans P. Ahlberg in order to allow horse and wagon traffic across the river. Ahlberg's farm spanned both sides of the river. Ahlberg contracted with the company 'Ferguson & Huston' of Astoria Oregon who drew up the plans. The bridge was covered three years later, in 1908. The roof of the covered bridge was originally built of "board and batten cedar siding with a capped tin roof" The reason for the covering was to preserve the expensive wooden trusses from the ravages of the area rains.

1905 Bridge Plans drawn up by Ferguson & Houston of Astoria, Oregon

The Grays River Covered Bridge in 1988

The Grays River Covered Bridge received a major restoration in 1988. In disrepair and at risk of being torn down, the residents of Grays River and Wahkiakum County, Washington worked to raise funds for restoration. Reconstruction was completed by Dulin Construction of Centralia, Washington, for a cost of $295,980.00. On September 30, 1989, with the repairs completed, the bridge was rededicated to public use. Author, Granger The National Grange of the Order of Patrons of Husbandry, and Grays River Resident Robert Michael Pyle served as Master of Ceremonies for the event.

Engineering Specs

The Howe truss timber bridge with timber decking spans 155.5 feet, is 22.5 feet high (16.75 inside clearance), and 14 feet wide with cedar shingles for the exterior.

External links

• [1] Historic American Engineering Record, Library of Congress. Includes 19 B&W photographs and engineering report by Robin Bruce. HAER WA-28, 1991.
• [2] Grays River Covered Bridge, GraysRiver.Org: More on the story of Grays River and the Covered Bridge.
• [3], Wahkiakum Community Foundation, Ahlberg Park.
• [4] Rehabilitation of the Grays River Bridge, HistoryLink.Org