It’s the kind of thing that gives RVers a bad name. In this case, a motorhome accident closes a covered bridge. But we’re not sure if “accident” is the appropriate term.
In any case, if you’re planning a scenic RV route through southern Michigan, take note: The Langley Covered Bridge is temporarily closed—possibly for up to two weeks—after a motorhome collided with one of its height-restriction barriers.
Motorhome accident closes a covered bridge after RVer ignores signs
A driver in a 1980s-era Ford motorhome ignored multiple warning signs and drove toward the historic Langley Covered Bridge late Monday morning August 4. The 10-foot-tall motorhome struck the height-limiter, shearing off the sleeper section of the coach. The bridge clearance is seven feet.
Happily, the limiter did its job. The motorhome didn’t reach the bridge itself, sparing the 137-year-old structure from serious damage. The limiter, however, was totaled. Replacing it will cost around $14,000.
The driver, a Three Rivers resident without a valid license, had an outstanding warrant and was arrested at the scene. He was reportedly transporting the motorhome to a woman who intended to use it as a temporary home.
Bridge with rich history
The Langley Covered Bridge spans the St. Joseph River just north of Centreville and is the longest remaining wooden covered bridge in Michigan. Built in 1887 by local builder Pierce Bodmer, the bridge stretches 282 feet and sits along Covered Bridge Road, near the border of Lockport and Nottawa townships.
The current structure replaced a previous bridge that was destroyed by floodwaters earlier that same year. It’s named for Thomas W. Langley, the area’s first settler and one of Centreville’s founding figures.
A bridge that’s seen it all
The bridge has been upgraded repeatedly to handle modern traffic. In the 1950s, its wooden supports were replaced with steel and concrete. In 2008, its roof, siding, asphalt decking, and two height-limiters were replaced. The height-limiters damaged in this week’s incident were the same ones.
The bridge reopened in early 2024 after another round of work replacing its steel underpinnings.
A favorite stop for RVers and sightseers
The Langley Covered Bridge, a piece of living history, is a popular destination for photographers, artists and history buffs. Its classic covered design and riverside setting make it a must-visit for those exploring Michigan’s backroads. Despite the current closure, the bridge remains a symbol of endurance, reminding RVers and other motorists to double-check height restrictions.
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RVT1221b
I hope the person responsible is going to be made to pay for the damages, and if he refuses or can’t afford it, he gets some well deserved jail time.
Thank you for the news, Russ and Tina! Glad it wasn’t a “real” RVer, but some guy off the street. I echo what Bob already said, and add that if he cannot pay, then he must work off the amount through providing labor to repair and replace the damaged limiter. Have a great day and safe travels!
I’d sure like to know this guys thoughts as it would be extremely difficult to misjudge a Three Foot difference in height!!!
10 feet, 3 inches actual height measurement. Simple enough.
I see they protected the height; I am curious about the weight. Everyone is always concerned about height, but I am also concerned about running my Class A over weight restricted bridges.
Every story involving an RV is not RV news. This guy was not a typical RVer. Homeless people living in RVs in Los Angeles is not RV news either. I’d really rather see more relevant news here.
I agree with you Keith big difference between homeless living in a rv and what we do. But a lot of people don’t know the difference when they form their opinion.
Admittedly, a person without a license and with warrants might not qualify as an RV’er but scraping the lid off an RV actually is relevant to readers.
Many a rig has been scalped by inattention to heights. Many a compartment door has been scraped by miscalculated wheelbase and many a rear cap modified by tail swing. A few reminders aren’t bad dear friend.