Only a handful of people witnessed the spectacular scenario unfolding a year ago at a northern Owen County creek.

Who could ever imagine nudging a 127-year-old covered bridge across Mill Creek? And why would anyone want to do it?

It was a matter of preservation. The covered bridge at Cataract Falls, originally constructed in 1876 to span Mill Creek, was removed from its resting spot across the creek a couple of years ago. This fragile, 140-foot historic treasure needed some major restoration, due to years of rot and termite damage.

For this far-reaching project, J.A. Barker Engineering, Inc., a firm that specializes in historic bridge restoration, was retained for the design. Intech Contracting, LLC, a Kentucky-based firm, was selected to be the contractor.

The roof needed to be replaced. The bridge sagged half a foot at midspan. The truss diagonals required repair. And the floor of the bridge had to be completely redone, although some of the old boards were reused.

Cataract bridge in earlier days (left) as Governor Schricker inspects the bridge, circa 1950s (center). Location of Cataract bridge (right).

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