Stivers, Local Leaders to Highlight Historic Swinging Bridges in Clay County

MANCHESTER — Senate President Robert Stivers and local leaders will spotlight a series of historic pedestrian bridges in Clay County later this month, showcasing their importance to both the region’s history and its future.

The tour, scheduled for Wednesday, May 27, from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., will begin at the 1 Clay County Welcome Center, 275 White Street in Manchester, and will include visits to several well-known swinging bridges throughout the area.

Bridges on the tour include the Goose Creek Bridge, Old Homeplace Bridge, Rocky Branch Bridge and Antepast Bridge—structures that have long served as vital connections for residents while also standing as iconic landmarks across eastern Kentucky.

Stivers, a Manchester native, helped lead the effort during the 2026 Legislative Session to pass Senate Bill 261, legislation aimed at preserving these historic crossings.

“These bridges are more than just a way to get from one side to the other,” Stivers said. “They are part of our heritage and a symbol of the communities they serve.”

Senate Bill 261 allows county fiscal courts to maintain pedestrian swinging bridges and authorizes cities to use public funds for their preservation. The legislation also provides liability protections for landowners who allow their property to be used for bridge maintenance.

Local leaders say the measure is a major step forward in protecting infrastructure that has served generations of eastern Kentuckians.

Swinging bridges have historically played an essential role in rural communities, providing access across waterways where other options were limited. Today, they continue to serve as both functional crossings and unique attractions that draw visitors to the region.

Officials believe maintaining and promoting these bridges can help boost tourism while preserving an important piece of Clay County’s identity.

Members of the media interested in attending the tour are asked to RSVP in advance. Participants are advised to wear closed-toe shoes, and officials noted that cell phone service may be limited during portions of the tour.

The event is expected to highlight not only the historical significance of the bridges, but also their potential to support economic development through tourism and outdoor recreation.