On November 16, 1814, the Muskingum Messenger reported that the Muskingum and Licking Bridge had become possible, credited architect Rufus Scott, and joined the south and north sides of Licking Creek with Zanesville on the east side of the Muskingum River. This uncovered toll bridge was the first of five generations of Y-bridges that served as an important transportation link unique to the National Road in Ohio. A second bridge was built in 1819 after the original collapsed, but despite being designed for greater loads it lasted only 13 years because wear and damage from a winter flood made it unsafe for the increased traffic crossing Ohio on the National Road. The third generation Y-bridge, built in 1832, carried travelers for 68 years. A fourth generation bridge was constructed in 1902, heavily damaged in the flood of 1913, repaired, and kept in service until 1979, when it was replaced by the current bridge. Toll fees for the first bridge were 3 cents for each foot passenger, 4 cents for each horse, mule, or ass one year old or older, 12 1/2 cents for each horse and rider, 25 cents for each sleigh or sled drawn by two horses or oxen, and 75 cents for each four-wheeled coach with driver drawn by four horses.