Special Projects


Indiana Covered Bridges

F.E. Gates, a division of The Blakley Corporation, has been instrumental in restoring many of the historic covered bridges that are such an important part of our Hoosier landscape. Gates has provided everything from epoxy injection of wood timbers to complete bridge restoration.

At one time there were six hundred covered bridges in Indiana, ninety remain today. Indiana’s covered bridge era began in the early 1830s when the National Road first crossed the state. The bridges were constructed with timber and were covered to protect them from the elements. They were often the 1argest covered area in a community and were used for revival meetings. weddings, and political rallies.

As our transportation system progressed the wooden structures were replaced by more modern structures, abandoned or bypassed. Many have fallen victim to the forces of nature, arson or careless driving. In 1930 nearly one hundred years after the first bridge was erected in 1835 the Indiana Historical Society set about locating, collecting information and preserving the covered bridges of Indiana.

F.E. Gates Company, a division of The Blakley Corporation, is proud to play a key role in preserving these engineering marvels for future generations. Gates became a certified applicator for the SCB epoxy injection technique in 1970. This technique is used on concrete as well as wood timbers to make structural repairs on these treasured structures. Other services provided include partial repair and complete replacement of the structural wood timbers, alignment of the timbers, roof replacement, deck replacement, siding repairs, painting and fireproofing.