The Office Covered Bridge was built in 1944 by the Westfir
Lumber Company.
It was constructed for logging trucks which is indicated by the heavy
timbers within the bridge.
The lumber mill and the lumber company's office were on opposite sides
of the Middle Fork
of the Willamette River. The separate covered walkway was
constructed as part of the bridge to
allow foot traffic to pass from one side to the other and kept people
safe from passing log trucks.
It is Oregon's longest covered bridge at 180 ft.
In the early 1980's the bridge was closed after the lumber mill burnt.
Lane County obtained the bridge in tax foreclosure. Work in 1992
and 20002
was to stabilize the bridge and to add a new roof.
Location:
From the Interstate 5 / Hwy. 58 interchange go east on Hwy. 58 towards
Oakridge.
Turn onto Westridge Ave., just before you get to Oakridge. This
will take you
towards Westfir on County Road 6128. About a
2.5 mile drive will take
you to the community, mill site and the bridge.
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These photos were taken and provided
courtesy of my friend Bill V.