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Constructed in 1954, the bridge provided access across the Willamette Slough on Irish Bend Road, 15 miles south of Corvallis.
Although research has yet to be completed, it is thought that the bridge may originally spanned the Long Tom River about 30 miles to the south
and later moved to the Irish Bend site.
Following installation of two large culverts and realignment of the road in 1975, the bridge languished until it was dismantled in 1988.
An agreement was reached between Benton County officials and Oregon State University to reconstruct it on university property in Corvallis.
Because no maintenance had been performed for more than 15 years, many of the timbers had rotted.
New stringers were donated by a local mill, and an engineering firm provided the foundation without charge.
DIRECTIONS:
From I-5, take exit 234 at Albany.
Travel southwest on Highway 20 to Corvallis.
Follow Highway 34 southwest toward Philomath. Turn right (north) on 53rd Street and park in the County Fairgrounds on the west side of 53rd.
Follow the foot path (Campus Way) on the east side of 53rd to the bridge.
Located on the Oregon State University campus in Corvallis.
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