Ashland Covered Bridge, Covered bridge in New Castle County, Delaware
Ashland Covered Bridge is a wooden structure crossing Red Clay Creek on Barley Mill Road with a red painted exterior and timber lattice framing inside. The bridge measures 16.5 meters in length and sits 5 feet (1.5 m) higher than its original position after being raised to prevent flooding.
The structure dates to 1870 and remains one of only three covered bridges surviving from that century in Delaware. It has survived storms and flooding, with restoration work keeping its original design intact.
The bridge represents traditional craftsmanship from the 1800s and shows how local builders solved practical problems with wood and simple geometry. Walking across it, you experience a building method that was common in rural Delaware during that era.
The bridge carries single-lane traffic and features height restriction signs to prevent large vehicles from entering and damaging the structure. Visit on foot or by car, but plan for slow passage and watch for weather conditions that may affect safety.
The structure sits adjacent to Ashland Nature Center and was reconstructed by specialists following storm damage while preserving its original architectural details. This restoration work shows how historical structures can be maintained for future generations.
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