Salem-Shotwell Bridge
The Salem-Shotwell Bridge, also known as the Pea Ridge Bridge, is a 43-foot-long wooden covered bridge in the Opelika Municipal Park in Opelika.
The bridge was originally 76-feet long and was constructed in 1900 by Otto Puls over Wacoochee Creek on what is now Shotwell Road (Lee County Road 252) between the communities of Salem and Shotwell. The structure was a Town lattice truss, of the type patented by Ithiel Town of Connecticut in 1820. It featured Longleaf pine heartwood timbers connected with White oak pegs and topped with Cedar roof shakes.
The bridge was restored by the county in 1973, but proved difficult to maintain. It was listed on the Alabama Register of Landmarks and Heritage on January 25, 1977. The county closed the bridge to traffic in 1994. A tree fell onto the structure on June 4, 2005, causing it to collapse into the creek the next day. Many of the structural pieces were recovered and stored. On October 31 the county transferred ownership to the city of Opelika, with an agreement that the city, Opelika Kiwanis Club and Lee County Historical Society would partner to reconstruct the bridge at Opelika Municipal Park.
The bridge was reconstructed on new foundations at over the park's Rocky Brook. It was shortened to 43 feet and adapted for views outward by dropping the siding to below eye level. Interior lighting was added, bringing the total cost of reconstruction to $60,000. It was dedicated on August 14, 2007.
References
- Prince, A. G. (1982) Landmarks of Ensley: Past and Present. revised edition. Ensley: Best Printing Service
- "Salem-Shotwell Covered Bridge" (January 25, 2011), Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia - accessed March 13, 2011
External links
- Shotwell Bridge at opelikakiwanis.org