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Shimanek, Linn County

If you find errors in the data please contact Bill Caswell.

If you would like to provide information on covered bridges that no longer exist from your state, or adopt a state to work on, we would certainly welcome your assistance. Please contact Trish Kane for more information.

Inventory Number: OR/37-22-03#2
County: Linn County
Township: Scio
Town/Village:
Bridge Name: Shimanek
Crosses: Thomas Creek
Truss type: Howe
Spans: 1
Length: 130'
Roadway Width:
Built: 1966
Builder: Linn County, Hamilton Construction Company
When Lost: standing
Cause:
Latitude: N44 42.941
Longitude: W122 48.265
See a map of the area
Topographic map of the area
Directions: 2.3 miles east of Main St. intersection in Scio on OR226, then 0.7 miles left on Richardson Gap Rd. (CR604).

Shimanek Bridge, Scio, Linn County, OR Built 1966
Ben Maxwell Collection, Salem Library

Shimanek Bridge, Scio, Linn County, OR Built 1966
Bill Caswell Photo, June 2006

Shimanek Bridge, Scio, Linn County, OR Built 1966
Bill Caswell Photo, February 1, 2017

Comments:
10-panel truss. The bridge’s current name came from the Shimanek family who moved to the area around 1900 from Nebraska and owned a farm near the bridge. The first bridge built at this location is believed to have been constructed as early as 1861, while the first documented covered bridge was built in 1891 for a cost of $1,150. In 1904, the county rebuilt the bridge, only to have it washed out in November 1921. Its replacement lasted until 1927, when high water damaged the piers and the span was replaced. Trees were blown against the fourth covered bridge at this site during the Columbus Day Storm of 1962. The resulting damage forced the county to restrict the covered bridge to a 2-ton load limit with single lane traffic. The bridge was torn down in December 1965 and the new bridge built during the winter. On May 20, 1966, the current Shimanek Bridge was dedicated being the fifth covered bridge to occupy this site. It has been rumored that the 1891 bridge had a welcomed accommodation of a two-hole toilet built into the foundation, a luxury not found at the current covered bridge. Its red color and louvered windows are unique in Linn County.

Sources:
Cockrell, Nick & Bill. Roofs Over Rivers - A Guide to Oregon's Covered Bridges, 1978, page 68
National Society for the Preservation of Covered Bridges. World Guide to Covered Bridges, 2021, page 95

Compilation 2026 Covered Spans of Yesteryear

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