West Liberty Covered Bridge spans Cowles Creek in Geneva, Ohio, and at 18 feet long is regarded as the shortest covered bridge in the United States. Built to replace a concrete culvert, the project advanced after a 2008 grant and reflected both repair needs and Ashtabula County’s interest in strengthening covered-bridge tourism. Construction began in 2010, with about 60 students from the Ashtabula County Joint Vocational School helping reduce costs while gaining trades experience. Designed by former county engineer John Smolen, the bridge opened in 2011 as a functional crossing with protected footpaths and as a distinctive part of the county’s covered-bridge heritage.