Detour around Covered Bridge

A detour around St. Joseph County’s iconic Langley Covered Bridge will be in place through at least late December after height limiters at both ends of the structure were struck on separate occasions earlier this month.

Road commission manager John Lindsey said the height limiters in both cases were knocked over. In addition, their concrete bases were damaged.

The first incident occurred Dec. 2 on the south side of the bridge. Lindsey said a truck pulling a utility trailer struck and severely damaged the height limiter. Lindsey said the agency decided to keep the bridge open despite the lack of a height precaution. Five days later, a pickup with a camper trailer proceeded northbound through the bridge and the camper struck the height restrictor on the north side of the bridge.

Lindsey said the force knocked the camper off the bed of the pickup.

Both objects exceeded the 7-foot height limit set for the bridge. In addition, the truck and utility trailer involved in the initial crash grossly exceeded the bridge’s 3-ton weight limit, Lindsey noted.

He said both drivers were ticketed by police for disregarding traffic-control devices. Lindsey added that the cost of the damage – likely to exceed $5,000 each – will be paid for by the drivers involved in both incidents.

Traffic is being detoured east to Angevine Road.