Prior to the construction of the Transcontinental Railway the Virginia Turnpike was the main thoroughfare from Marysville, California  to Virginia City, Nevada.  It was the toll road that served the Northern Mine communities as well as the Silverlode Comstock of Western Nevada. In 1862, as part of the Turnpike, the Covered Bridge at Bridgeport on the South Yuba River was constructed. President of the South Yuba River Park Association, Dave Anderson, explains the history.
Click here to listen to Dave Anderson

The bridge is covered to protect the structure itself from the elements. However, after over 150 years, the bridge is failing and has been closed to pedestrians since 2011. Though most of the bridge is made of wood, the part of the bridge that keeps the structure stiff is made of iron.
Click here to listen to Dave Anderson

There is a group of community members and organizations that have rallied to Save the Covered Bridge at Bridgeport and last month  successfully rallied the State Senate Budget Subcommittee to provide funds to accelerate the restoration of the bridge. Caleb Dardick Executive Director South Yuba River Citizens League says the next step is to get the Assembly Budget Subcommittee to approve funding.
Click here to listen to Caleb Dardick

Nevada County District Four Supervisor Hank Weston is leading the group to support the Covered Bridge that will present to the Assembly Subcommittee on the 23rd.

Coincidentally another group of Nevada County citizens is lobbying the same Assembly Subcommittee to keep Empire Mine State Park as part of the State Parks System. A group spearheaded by Virginia Brunini and District 3 Supervisor Terry Lamphier will also be in Sacramento on the 23rd. The two groups have a common mission- keep State Parks open and operating in Nevada County.  Assembly member Brian Dahle is Nevada County’s representative on the Assembly Water, Parks and Wildlife Committee and a strong supporter of keeping Empire Mine, Bridgeport, and Malakoff Diggins viable in the County.