Hannaway Covered Bridge

Other Names

Hanaway Covered Bridge

Bridge Number & GPS Coordinates

35-23-15

N39 37.106, W82 40.828

Hannaway Covered Bridge

Current Location

Two Glaciers Park
7636 Clearcreek Rd SW*
Lancaster | Madison Township | MAP

*The park’s main entrance is at the address above, however, this bridge is seen from Clearport Rd SW.

Original Location

Yes

Year Built & Builder

1881, original bridge – James W Buchanan
1901 (1904) replacement bridge built
1996 restoration
2017 restoration

Truss Type

Multiple Kingpost

Bridge Span

86′ plus a 7′ overhang at each end; 16′ width; 13′ height

Her Story

By 1835, Clearport was a busy area in Madison Township. There were five mills, a smith’s shop, and a sawmill. A post office was opened in 1854. Many still houses were sources of liquid refreshment for group events such as house- and barn-raisings or seasonal festivals.

Because of the increase in motorized vehicles, in the 1930s one full-length window was added to allow visibility of oncoming traffic. The Hannaway was bypassed about 1990.

She has suffered many damaging events over the years. Most recently, high water carried a huge tree that slammed into the bridge knocking it from the abutments. It was then raised, placed on a falsework (a temporary support platform) and restored using stone from old bridge abutments. Many truss timbers were replaced and a new floor laid. Restoration work was completed in 2017 by Shaw & Holter, Inc. of Lancaster.

Because of the location, she is a little-used bridge but quite beautiful and worth the time to go see her.

Map

Directions

Directions from Lancaster:  From the corner of N Memorial Dr (US-33) and W Main St (US-22), drive west toward Circleville on Lincoln Av (US-22, Cincinnati-Zanesville Rd SW) approximately 0.7 miles.  Turn left onto Boving Rd; drive 2.0 miles.  Turn right onto Hamburg Rd SW; drive 3.7 miles.  Turn left onto Clearport Rd SW; drive 2.4 miles.  The entrance is on the left.