NEWS

Historic bridge hit by plow, closed for repairs

The News Journal
The Ashland Covered bridge on Barley Mill Road is shown in this file photo, as well as a sign warning tall trucks not to cross if over the size limit.

The historic Ashland Covered Bridge near Hockessin is closed for repairs this week after being hit by a snow plow.

Not only was the roof damaged, but some of the bridge's horizontal braces, which keep it from swaying, were cracked during the crash, according to the Department of Transportation.

The bridge will be closed for several days while DelDOT repairs the damaged tinders. Barley Mill Road from Creek Road to Brakenville Road is closed as a result.

Detours will be posted and are as follows:

  • Northbound traffic on Barley Mill Road can turn left on Brackenville Road, right on Old Wilmington Road, right on Sharpless Road, and left on Creek Road.
  • Southbound traffic on Barley Mill Road can head south on Sharpless Road, turn left on Old Wilmington Road, left on Brackenville Road, and right on Barley Mill Road.

DelDot maintenance crew members point out damage as the roof supports of a covered bridge near the Ashland Nature Center were shattered when a truck ran through them crossing the bridge on August 1, 2014.

This isn't the first time the covered bridge has been damaged. In 2014, the bridge's beams were damaged when struck by an oversize vehicle attempting to cross the wooden span. In 2011, it was damaged by another too tall truck, which apparently ignored the posted size limit and tried to drive across.

One of three covered bridges in the state, the Ashland Bridge has been a landmark since about 1850, despite frequent damage.

In 2008, a major project fixed its foundation and replaced its deck and installed a new roof.