A public meeting to discuss the future of the historic Kirker Covered Bridge was held on Tuesday, Sept. 24, at the Adams County Training Center in West Union. The meeting, hosted by the Adams County Economic & Community Development and the Adams County Travel & Visitors Bureau, centered on plans to preserve the bridge, which was heavily damaged by an EF1 tornado that struck Adams County on April 2, 2024.
The Kirker Covered Bridge, named after Ohio’s second governor, Thomas Kirker, was built in the late 1800s and is one of only two remaining covered bridges in Adams County. The tornado ripped the roof off the bridge and caused extensive structural damage.
As a result of the meeting, a group has been formed to raise funds to restore the bridge. A treasurer was appointed, and early estimates suggest that repairs could cost nearly $1 million and take several years to raise the necessary funds. Engineers have identified major structural issues beyond the tornado damage.
Social media reactions to the restoration project have been mixed. Some community members view the effort as a waste of resources, while others defend it as an important part of preserving the county’s rich history and heritage.
