The much-anticipated completion of the Smith Bridge reconstruction project finally came! And admist the fanfare, the bridge was re-opened after a ribbon cutting ceremony and small parade of horse-drawn carriages and classic motor cars from days of old. The original Burr Truss Covered bridge was constructed in 1839. The bridge was rehabilitated and piers and steel beams were added in 1956. 1961 saw the destruction of this landmark bridge by arsonists. The bridge was then rebuilt without it's cover in 1962. Then, in 2002, the bridge was returned to it's original covered, one-lane state, once again preserving the beauty and history of Delaware.