Sandy Creek Covered Bridge was restored because covered bridges are architecturally unique, were an important transportation innovation, and remain an important part of history and heritage; it is one of the three Howe-truss bridges remaining in Missouri. The bridge at Sandy Creek is the second built at this site. After a storm on May 17, 1886, substantially damaged Sandy Creek Covered Bridge and five other bridges, Jefferson County road commissioner J.B. Dover reported an estimated rebuilding cost of eight hundred and ten dollars, but the county court judged the first bids too high and delayed action while considering the cost of an iron bridge. After bids were readvertised, the court awarded an $899 contract to Henry Steffin, who rebuilt the bridge using half of the original timber. Because of repeated natural and man-made damage, the bridge underwent major repairs in 1940-1941 and restoration in 1952 by the Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce. Since 1872, it had been in continuous use except during repairs and reconstruction. At unknown dates, its original design was altered when white pine ridge-roof shingles were replaced with galvanized corrugated metal, an I beam was added beneath the bridge, and eight concrete piers were placed in the creek bed under it. More natural and man-made damage made the bridge unsafe in 1981, and it remained closed until the summer of 1984, when the Department of Natural Resources completed a restoration to its original appearance. Historic construction components were preserved whenever possible, the bridge was returned to a full-span form and to the specifications of its original builder, and the work included cedar roof shingles, repairs and replacements of siding, iron rods, docking, floor joints, stringers, and bottom chords, as well as concrete walls to protect the replaced bottom chords. Today the bridge is open only to pedestrian traffic.