The Kirker Covered Bridge near West Union now sports a brand-new roof, completed September 5, 2025, marking the first major step in restoring the historic landmark following tornado damage in April 2024. (Photo Courtesy of Adams County Travel and Visitors Bureau)
By Ryan Applegate
People’s Defender
The Kirker Covered Bridge, one of Adams County’s most treasured landmarks, has reached a milestone in its preservation as a brand-new roof has now been completed over the historic structure. The original roof was torn away when a tornado struck Adams County on April 2, 2024, leaving the bridge exposed and sparking fears that one of the county’s last remaining covered bridges might not survive. After more than a year of planning, fundraising, and preparation, the new roof was finished on September 5, 2025, marking the first step in a larger restoration effort that leaders hope will secure the bridge’s future.
The project was led by local contractor Nathan Adkins, who signed a contract with the Adams County Board of Commissioners earlier this summer. Adkins and his crew rebuilt trusses, installed new rafters, added braced overhangs, and put in metal roofing and gables to replace what had been lost. The trusses were built from locally sourced red and white oak timber, chosen to preserve the bridge’s historical character. The roof work carried a price tag of $29,400, though fundraising had already surpassed that thanks to broad support from individuals and organizations committed to saving the bridge.
Tom Cross, Director of the Adams County Travel and Visitors Bureau, has been one of the strongest advocates for preserving the Kirker Bridge. “This is the beginning of a full restoration,” Cross said. “Much work still remains to be done, but this milestone shows what can happen when the community and supporters come together to protect a piece of history.”
Paul Worley, Director of Economic Development for Adams County, also praised the progress. “This isn’t just about repairing a bridge,” Worley said. “It’s about preserving a vital piece of our community’s history for generations to come.”
The project received significant backing, with over $40,000 raised from both local donations and national organizations dedicated to historic preservation. Contributors included the National Society for the Preservation of Covered Bridges, the Theodore Burr Covered Bridge Society of Pennsylvania, the Nature Conservancy, and the Ohio Historic Bridge Association. These funds will cover the completed roof and help launch the next stages of restoration, which include shoring up the stone foundations, rebuilding wing walls to divert water, and painting the bridge’s interior and exterior siding.
The Kirker Covered Bridge, located just east of West Union on State Route 136, has long been a symbol of Adams County’s rural charm. It is named for Thomas Kirker, Ohio’s second governor, who was a county resident. While the commonly accepted date of construction is 1890, some evidence suggests the bridge may date to 1867. Originally, it featured a wood shake shingle roof, reflecting the craftsmanship of the era. Today it stands as one of only two covered bridges remaining in Adams County. Though it no longer carries vehicle traffic, it remains a popular stop for visitors and photographers.
The tornado damage in 2024 was devastating for many county residents, not only for the homes and farms it destroyed but also for the loss to local heritage. Seeing the Kirker Bridge stripped of its roof was an emotional blow. Yet the determination to restore it recalls an earlier campaign in 2010, when community fundraising repaired deteriorating siding and roofing, ensuring the bridge would survive another decade. That spirit has again carried the project forward.
Although the new roof is now in place, much work lies ahead before the bridge is considered fully stabilized. Repairs to the stone foundation, estimated at $42,500, are essential, and repainting the bridge will protect against future deterioration. Donations remain critical to moving forward, and contributions can be sent to the Kirker Covered Bridge Fund, P.O. Box 577, West Union, OH 45693.
As the bridge stands today, topped with its new roof, it reflects both Adams County’s past and the resolve of its people. For those leading the project, the Kirker Bridge is more than a historic structure—it is a reminder of the community’s shared heritage and the dedication to keeping that history alive.
