Hope For Honey Run:
The Rebuild of the Bridge
One of the most iconic scenes of Northern California, reminiscent of a rural past and loved by many, is the Honey Run Covered Bridge of Butte Creek Canyon. The fate of the bridge was that of 18,000 other structures incinerated on November 8th, 2018. The loss of the bridge has been an emotional hardship for many. It was a place for relaxation and recreation; a symbol of a simpler time. However, despite the loss from the Camp Fire, the future for the Covered Bridge is hopeful. The planned rebuild is underway and the bridge will once again provide a pedestrian crossing of Butte Creek.
Walt Schafer, the Vice President of the Honey Run Covered Bridge Association and past Chico Rotary Club President, shared with me the details regarding the upcoming bridge rebuild. He serves as the liaison with the engineers and the project manager for the planning and construction of the project. As a longtime resident of Butte Creek Canyon, Walt described the bridge as “a 131-year-old true icon of this region.” He shared that the restoration of the bridge has been a mission of the Association since the events of the fire, though it will be a sizable project.
The standing pillar remnants as seen from across the creek.
After its original construction and through the early twentieth century, it was an active vehicular bridge until 1965, when an accident occurred. At that time Butte County built a new bridge 100 yards upstream, which is in use today. Local residents worked with the county to repair and manage the bridge. Declared pedestrian only, the bridge was maintained as part of a community park.
After the Camp Fire, Butte County and the Honey Run Covered Bridge Association is working together to transfer the ownership of the bridge. As the process continues towards being finalized, the project of rebuilding the bridge is now being coordinated. The tasks include fundraising, acquiring permits, and the construction of the bridge. The rebuild of the project is divided into three phases:
- Phase I: Foundation
- Phase II: Flooring and Trusses
- Phase III: Covering
The projected budget for the rebuild is $2.6 million and scheduled to be completed in 2022. The project will be financed through private donations from individuals and organizations. The Paradise Rotary Foundation has granted two grants for the first phase of the project. The first grant, for $25,000, provided funds for geotechnical & hydrologic studies required before breaking ground.
Construction in 2020 is different than it was in 1894, the year the bridge was erected. Studies on soil composition, water, and rock content are required by organizations such as the US Corp of Engineers, California Department of Fish & Wildlife, and the California Water Boards. With the geotechnical & hydrologic studies completed, the attention of the Association and engineers turned toward the foundation of the bridge.
“The first grant from the Paradise Rotary Foundation was very instrumental for us in funding the geologic and hydrologic studies necessary to apply for permits.” – Walt Schafer
The second grant approved from the Paradise Rotary Foundation for the project, for $50,000, was directed toward the foundation, pillars, and abutments of the bridge. The rebuild will be a near-exact replica of the original, save a few changes to the foundation.
As the required studies were conducted it was discovered that the pillars on the north side of the creek only went down just over one foot deep into the creek bed. “It was astonishing that the bridge stood all that time,” Walt remarked of the previous bridge. In contrast, the new bridge will have pillars planted 41 feet deep into the earth. The current standing ruins will be cleared for the new construction.
The profile of the bridge will be the same, with a minor offset to the south to avoid the boulders on the edge of the creek. Upon completion of the foundation, Phases II and III will be upcoming, with an expected bridge completion in 2022. If you drive down Honey Run Road in the coming weeks, you’ll see construction equipment and the beginnings of a project to restore the iconic bridge so many of us are fond of.
Over the decades the Covered Bridge was an icon attraction to residents and tourists alike. People enjoyed activities such as swimming, kayaking, and picnicking. The bridge was host to special events such as weddings, and the annual pancake breakfast, drawing hundreds of attendees. With a successful rebuild, the bridge will once again be a viable place for community events and recreational enjoyment.
To date, 110 business and organizations have contributed to the Honey Run Covered Bridge Association’s rebuild campaign. You can stay up to date with the project by visiting the Association’s website. Walt Schafer is the point of contact for major donors and organizations seeking to support the rebuild. He can be reached at ws.chico@yahoo.com. Donations can also be made at hrcoveredbridge.org or by check at PO Box 5201, Chico, CA 95927.
Top: The Honey Run Covered Bridge before the fire.
Bottom: The last picture taken of the bridge.
The remnants of the bridge as seen from above.
The bridge sign still stands at the entrance to the park.
A historical marker of the 1949 dedication from Native Daughters of the Golden West.
To date, the Paradise Rotary Foundation has awarded $75,000 to the Honey Run Covered Bridge Association, as made possible from the generosity of worldwide donors and community members. Thank you for your continued support.
Do you have stories to share about Grants In Action? If so, please email contact@paradiserotaryfoundation.org.