Covered Bridge reopens

A detour around St. Joseph County’s iconic Langley Covered Bridge was lifted last week, a month after height limiters at both ends of the structure were damaged in separate incidents.

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

The first incident occurred Dec. 2 on the south side of the bridge, while the second occurred Dec. 6 on its north end.

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

The bridge itself did not sustain any damage. It was closed, however, as a precaution because without height limiters in place, there was nothing in place to prevent oversize and overweight vehicles from crossing, Lindsey said.

The bridge was re-opened late Friday afternoon.