For more info:

Cumberland County Highway Dept.
800 E. Industrial. Dr.
Toledo, IL 62468
cchwy@rr1.net
217-849-3441 phone
217-849-2888 fax

February 3, 1997

Cumberland County Highway Department News Release

 We have been informed by the Illinois Department of Transportation that the bridge over the Embarrass River west of Greenup on the National Road (Old U.S. Rt. 40) was selected for funding under the FY 97 Highway Timber Bridge Construction Program.  Because of severe scouring of the pier footings and the condition of the deck, this structure was to be removed and the roadway abandoned. The bridge has been closed since 1996 spring flooding.

 The Cumberland County Highway Department and the Village of Greenup proposed construction of a replica of the original covered bridge to help promote tourism in Cumberland County.   The Cumberland County Highway Department agreed to assume jurisdiction of the bridge and roadway and will receive $485,000 in matching funds from the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT).

 We prepared a grant request of $1,252,000 for Timber Bridge Funds.  These funds were authorized by Congress specifically for timber bridge projects and are administered  by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA).   Each year the FHWA asks states for candidates for funding.  IDOT submitted 9 projects for funding in FY 97.  We were one of two projects approved for funding in Illinois.

 With $1,252,000 in federal funds and $485,000 in matching state funds the cost to the county, if any, will be minimal. The benefits will be many.

 It would be an understatement to say we are overjoyed in receiving the timber bridge funds. It will be a dream come true to see this covered bridge become a reality.

 We are indebted to U.S. Representative Glen Poshard and his staff, Representative Duane Noland, and Senator Penny Severns for their efforts and letters in support of the project.   We also owe a debt of gratitude to the Cumberland County Development Corporation, the Greenup Historical Society, Wayne Swim and the Greenup Village Board, the Cumberland County Road and Bridge Committee, the County Highway Department personnel and the Cumberland County Board for their support.   Thanks also to Elmer Pyle of Rhutasel and Associates, our design consultants, for his help in preparing the estimate for the grant request, to Lyle Kruger for providing the 1833 National Road Construction inspection documents, to the National Park Service for their 1994 Special Resource Study of the National Road, to the National Road Museum in Zanesville, Ohio, and to the newly-formed National Road Alliance.  We would like to thank Governor Edgar's office, IDOT District 5 Engineer Lynn Forbes and his office for giving us the time to develop a plan to save the road and securing funding for the bridge.

 Every individual and organization that we contacted became an advocate for the bridge.  If  we failed to mention anyone who has helped on this project it was unintentional.

 We would appreciate it if anyone with photographs of or anecdotes about the original covered bridge over the Embarrass River on the National Road (Cumberland Road) would please contact the Cumberland County Highway Department at 217-849-3441.

       Gary L. Kruger

       Cumberland County Engineer

3/29/00 Addendum:  Feel free to e-mail pictures or stories about the bridge to Cliff Carrell at carrell@rr1.net