The South Umpqua River Covered Bridge is not a true covered bridge due to its construction. Unlike other buildings of the sort in the state of Oregon, this one doesn?t have a truss support, since the covering is not a part of the main structure in itself. It was only added later on after the steel span was finished.

The addition was deemed necessary when the steel span replaced the old covered bridge that used to stand in the site. According to sources, the locals felt something is amiss without the covered bridge that used to define their locale. This makes the South Umpqua River Covered Bridge the only steel bridge to be housed in wood in entire Oregon.

Also known as the Milo Academy Bridge, the South Umpqua River Covered Bridge is a private bridge, owned and maintained by the Seventh Day Adventist Church.