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| Langley Covered Bridge, Centreville, Michigan 5/17/2018 dwm photo |
Built in 1887, it is the longest in the state and at 282 feet is quite impressive (although much shorter than Indiana's Medora Bridge).
According to a local news story, it is named for Centreville's first European settler, Thomas Langley.
While the bridge hasn't change much through the years, the river did.
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| The arches were added several years ago to keep too-tall vehicles off the bridge. (dwm) |
It's the reason for the community's annual covered bridge festival and it hosts a dinner each summer when traffic is stopped so dinner can be served.
I loved crossing the bridge on foot and by car. The solid sound of boards bending under the weight is unlike any other bridge.
Langley is a one lane bridge so it is important to check for an oncoming vehicle before entering and slowing down before crossing into the lumber tunnel.
A long series of windows on the south end offers a view of the dam and provide a place for local anglers to fish.
Surviving bridges tend to be off the beaten path. While they attract visitors, there is some "want to" required to find them.
The Langley Bridge is north of Centreville and east of Three Rivers. When I mentioned that to folks who had lived about an hour away most of their lives, it seemed like they had never heard of it.
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| Langley Bridge traffic goes one way at a time. 5/17/2018 dwm photo |
While there has been work to keep the bridge traffic-worthy through the years it retains its historic charm and character.
The motorcycle, pickup, and rare horse drawn wagon should all feel right at home when they use it.
I think Mr. Langley would really enjoy knowing how his name lives on in Centreville, Michigan.
Langley Bridge Facts
Built: 1887 by Pierce Bodmer
Style: Howe Truss
Length: 282 feet over the St. Joseph River
You can read about more covered bridges in the upper Midwest by following the link.
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