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Last updated on Wednesday, November 14, 2018
(JACKSON CO.) - The Bell Ford Covered Bridge is one step closer to a new life after Jackson County commissioners gave their approval to draft paperwork to give the bridge’s remains to Hamilton County.
The deal includes a $25,000 donation from Hamilton County for a project to restore and place the Hall Round Barn on the Jackson County Fairgrounds. That project, however, recently suffered setback after part of the roof began to collapse in October.
Hamilton County Commissioner Mark Heirbrandt and Hamilton County Parks Director Al Patterson said the Bell Ford Covered Bridge would keep its name and be featured in Potter's Bridge Park, with other restored covered bridges.
The 332-foot bridge was built in 1869 by Robert Pattison during a transition period from wood to steel bridges. It was made of a post truss design with two king posts and metal truss rods. The bridge, which had no vertical trusses, was used by vehicles until 1970 when a concrete bridge was built just to the south.
A storm packed with strong winds sent the western span of the bridge into the river on Feb. 27, 1999. The eastern span of the bridge fell into the river Jan. 2, 2006, shortly after it had been placed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Information Seymour Tribune, http://www.tribtown.com
Jackson County will be included in the ceremony once the bridge is fully restored and presented to the public.
"This is a forever partnership between Hamilton County and Jackson County," he said.
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