By Kristin Rover
Sun staff

The historic covered bridge on Stonelick Williams Corner Road is nearly complete with just minor construction remaining to be done.

The bridge should be complete in about a month, according to Clermont County Engineer Patrick Manger.

Construction crews are adding more wind bracing in several spots as well as fire retardant to the bridge, Manger said.

“Structurally it is done,” he said.

The bridge has been under construction for more than two years.

Crews were working to rehabilitate the bridge when it collapsed into the river below Feb. 11, 2014.

While crews tried to recover as much of the bridge materials as possible, all of the structures had to be evaluated and many had to be replaced, according to Manger.

“The first thing the contractor did was get two cranes and they were able to pick up the truss that went into the river,” Manger said after the collapse.

The bridge was built using a Howe Truss, which is a type of truss structure created by William Howe in 1840.

Residents who live near the bridge have fought to preserve the structure and the history of the bridge since the start of the rehabilitation planning.

During their March 18 meeting, Clermont County Commissioners approved what they hope is the last price increase for the bridge.

The amended amount brought the total contract price for the rehabilitation project to $902,448.

The county is planning to have a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the re-opening of the road and the bridge in the next couple of months, Manger said.