The Covered Bridge has re-opened following damage

The Langley Covered Bridge re-opened to traffic Tuesday, eight days after it was closed due to damage caused by a horse trailer.

St. Joseph County Road Commission Manager John Lindsey said the height restrictor at the north end of the bridge was knocked off its base Sept. 19 by a trailer attached to a southbound pickup.

Lindsey said the height restrictor was destroyed and a new one is currently being made. In the meantime, portable signs warning of vehicle height restrictions have been put in place for southbound Covered Bridge Road traffic.

The height restrictor at the south end of the bridge remains in place.

Lindsey said the new restrictor should be completed and installed by the end of October. Meanwhile, he said the agency plans to file an insurance claim for the damage, and the estimated $20,000 cost of parts and labor will likely be forwarded to the Grand Rapids-area motorist responsible for the incident.