Otway in Scioto County, Ohio — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
The Otway Covered Bridge
— Ohio Byway — Scenic Scioto Heritage Trail —
Photographed By J. J. Prats, April 16, 2019
1. The Otway Covered Bridge Marker
Built in 1874, the Otway Covered Bridge is the only remaining
covered bridge in Scioto County.
When the State of Ohio relocated State Route 348 West, the bridge was slated to be demolished. A local group of citizens formed a preservation society in 1960 and petitioned the state for ownership. In 1963 the preservation society gained possession of the bridge. This society went dormant with the death of its members.
In 1974 the bridge was restored by the Village of Otway. This was a temporary fix. As the Bridge continued to decline it became unsafe for traffic and was closed.
The Scenic Scioto Heritage Trail, Inc. began fundraising events and contracted with a local contractor to replace the roof and side boards. But in March 2012 the new roof was damaged by a tornado which tore through the village.
Co-operative efforts begun from the Otway Historical Society, the Scenic Scioto Heritage Trail, Inc., Scioto County Commissioners, and the Scioto County Engineer to repair and preserve the bridge. In August 2012 a federal grant was awarded. Matching funds were raised from donations and the county
Photographed By J. J. Prats, April 16, 2019
2. The Otway Covered Bridge and Marker
this page online
The rehabilitation was completed and the ribbon cutting ceremony was held on August 30, 2014.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Bridges & Viaducts • Roads & Vehicles. In addition, it is included in the Covered Bridges series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1874.
Location. 38° 51.759′ N, 83° 11.436′ W. Marker is in Otway, Ohio, in Scioto County. Marker is on Curtis Smith Road (County Route 487) just north of Ohio Route 348, on the right when traveling north. It is near the intersection of State Route 73 and State Route 348. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Otway OH 45657, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 13 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Boyhood Home of Roy Rogers (approx. 6.6 miles away); Adams County Mineral Springs (approx. 7˝ miles away); Boyhood Home of Wesley Branch Rickey (approx. 8.3 miles away); Lock 48 (approx. 9.4 miles away); Camp Oyo (approx. 9.6 miles away); Camp Oyo Boy Scout Camp (approx. 9.6 miles away); Lucasville Cemetery / Captain John Lucas Founder of Lucasville (approx. 10.3 miles away); Ohio's Biggest Yellow Buckeye (approx. 12.4 miles away).
Photographed By J. J. Prats, April 16, 2019
3. The Otway Covered Bridge
Credits. This page was last revised on April 28, 2019. It was originally submitted on April 28, 2019, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. This page has been viewed 254 times since then and 27 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on April 28, 2019, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio.
