West Cornwall Covered Bridge

West Cornwall Covered Bridge is a road bridge that crosses the Housatonic River using a wooden lattice framework with a red exterior. The interior displays red-spruce timbers joined by wooden pegs that form the truss structure supporting the span.

A bridge at this location has existed since 1762, but floods and ice conditions destroyed several earlier versions before the current one was built in 1864. The modern structure has served as a vital local connection for over 150 years.

The red wooden structure is a local landmark that shows how communities once crossed rivers and connected towns. People in the area use it daily and value how it maintains the rural character of their region.

The bridge carries vehicle traffic on Route 128 and is a single-lane way with limited passing space. Visitors should drive slowly and watch for pedestrians and cyclists, as this is a narrow historic route.

In 1973, engineers placed a steel support system beneath the original wooden structure to provide modern stability without changing its classic appearance. This hidden reinforcement allowed the bridge to meet today's traffic demands while keeping its historic look intact.

Location: Connecticut

Official opening: 1864

GPS coordinates: 41.87167,-73.36444

Latest update: December 9, 2025 18:48