The Blackwood Covered Bridge, built in 1881 in Lodi Township near Athens, Ohio, is an 85-foot multiple-kingpost truss that has served the rural community for well over a century. Its red wood siding, green metal roof, and original cut-stone abutments capture the character of Ohio’s historic agricultural landscape. Like many timber trusses of its era, the structure had been supplemented with early-20th-century steel rods and had undergone several repairs, including the addition of a steel pier in the 1970s. Portland Bolt supplied a larger first-phase of construction in 2023, including several custom threaded rods and other fasteners.
For the second phase of construction in 2025, Portland Bolt supplied long, custom, and domestic A325 high-strength structural bolts as well as smaller domestic screws. These fasteners offered long-term reliability without compromising the bridge’s historic appearance. The fasteners had to go through a rigorous submittal process to determine the correct type, grade, length, and application. The bridge now continues to serve local traffic while retaining the traditional craftsmanship that earned it a place on the National Register of Historic Places. Portland Bolt is proud to have supported the preservation of this landmark so it can remain a functional and recognizable piece of regional history.
