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APPLEGATE VALLEY Historic McKee Bridge is open again Effort by locals saved structure from demolition Comment By Daniel Newberry for the Mail Tribune MailTribune.com By Daniel Newberry for the Mail Tribune Posted Mar. 3, 2015 at 5:10 PM By Daniel Newberry for the Mail Tribune Posted Mar. 3, 2015 at 5:10 PM » Social News One of Jackson County's remaining four covered bridges has again escaped demolition, thanks to the efforts of the small but dedicated McKee Bridge Historical Society. "Vehicles last drove over McKee Bridge in 1956," says Bob Van Heuit, president of the McKee Bridge Historical Society since 2007. "It was abandoned by the county then, and several times they've wanted to demolish it because it was unsafe, but local people have raised the funds to repair it each time." The most recent effort began in 2011, when the bridge over the Applegate River underwent a routine inspection — scheduled at six-year intervals — and rot was discovered. The bridge was immediately closed to pedestrian traffic. The repairs would cost more than half a million dollars, and the bridge's owner, Jackson County, wouldn't contribute. In 2012, a federal grant of $547,048 was awarded to Jackson County for the bridge repair, but only if $56,202 in matching funds could be raised. The McKee Bridge Historical Society succeeded in matching that amount, thanks in large part to grants from the Kinsman Foundation and Preserve Oregon. Individuals donated the remainder. "When the bids came in we realized we still needed more funds," says Van Heuit. "In the end, the total to repair the bridge was $609,000." The McKee Bridge was built in 1917 for $6,300, using a "Howe truss" design popular in railroad bridges of the day, according to literature provided by the historical society. The land for the bridge was donated by "Deb" McKee. This covered bridge is the fourth oldest in Oregon and at 45 feet above the water, is the highest. Its span is 120 feet from abutment to abutment, only 4 feet shorter than the state's longest covered bridge, according to Van Heuit. The length of the bridge made the restoration an impressive feat of engineering. "The first thing they did was build this support structure. They welded these two big I-beams together," Van Heuit explains. "They had rollers that they were able to support right above the forebeams up to a little over half the bridge. Then they were able to cantilever the end of the beam up to the abutment — because they didn't want to load this (middle) part of the bridge down very heavy. Once they got one in, they rolled the second one in." With the massive single I-beam resting on the floor, its weight over the abutments, threaded steel rods suspended from the I-beam were drilled through the floorboards and into the bridge below. By tightening the steel rods and other threaded structures, the I-beam supported the weight of the entire bridge. "They jacked that up to take the load — kind of ingenious," says Van Heuit. "I'm a civil engineer and I was impressed." "They" in this case was the MOWAT Construction Co., headquartered in Woodinville, Wash. It is one of a very few companies certified by the Oregon Department of Transportation to work on wooden bridges. The roof and railings of the McKee Bridge also were replaced. Construction began last October and ended in February. Today, McKee Bridge is again open to pedestrians. "We have a sign-in book on the bridge," Van Heuit says. "We estimate that each year about 6,000 people visit the bridge, from every continent — except Antarctica." Some of the visitors sign their names on more than the visitor book, but the historical society seems to have solved the graffiti problem. "We have these boards nailed to the sides of the bridge and people write their graffiti there. Periodically we replace or plane them down, especially if there's something objectionable." The biggest remaining part of the restoration is a celebration. "We'll have an official ribbon-cutting ceremony on June 13, our annual McKee Bridge Day," says Van Heuit. "We'll have food and our vehicle done up as a bridge replica, where we sell mugs and hats. This will help us pay for the next inspection." To get to the McKee Bridge, take Highway 238 to Ruch and turn south on Upper Applegate Road. After eight and a half miles, turn left at the McKee Bridge Restaurant (now closed). The covered bridge and the U.S. Forest Service picnic area are just beyond. For more information on the McKee Bridge Historical Society, visit www.mckeehistoricalcoveredbridge.org. Daniel Newberry is a freelance writer living in the Applegate Valley. Email him at [email protected].   By Daniel Newberry for the Mail Tribune MailTribune.com By Daniel Newberry for the Mail Tribune Posted Mar. 3, 2015 at 5:10 PM » Comment or view comments Reader Reaction » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Southern Oregon Directory Featured Businesses Loading... 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