Institute for Transportation

DVD: Spanning Time: America’s Covered Bridges explores the affection Americans have for their wooden covered bridges. These structures provide a direct connection to the past- a time when the pace of life was slower, people were closer to nature and crafsmanship mattered. Today covered bridges offer a focal point for civic pride and a centerpiece for local tourism. Engineers devise novel construction techniques and public officials spend large sums of money to restore and preserve them. Actor/songwriter Tim Grimm guides us through this instructional, entertaining and sometimes whimsical look at covered bridges. The program examines the cultural significance, history, construction techniques, preservation efforts, and tourist activities surrounding covered bridges throughout the United States. New England bridge wrights Arnold Graton and Jan Lewandoski provide the builder’s perspective, while preservationists, engineers, public officials, tourists and all manner of covered bridge enthusiasts share their point of view. Because the bridges often are located on rural roads and in small towns, the program features pastoral settings in Indiana, Ohio, Oregon, New Hampshire, New York, Pennsylvania and Vermont. Spanning Time: America’s Covered Bridges shares popular music about covered bridges and even answers the age-old question, “Why are these bridges covered?”