The 34-foot covered bridge was built in celebration of America's Bicentennial in 1976. Originally, the bridge across Judy Creek was a steel and wood plank bridge which was replaced with a Works Progress Administration (WPA) concrete bridge in 1934.

The Village worked in coordination with the Illinois Bicentennial Commission to start construction on the covered bridge in March of 1976, completing the project in May. Local citizens and organizations volunteered their labor to finish before the July 4th celebration across the state. Tragically, arsonists burned the covered bridge in September of that year, leaving it a total loss. However, with perseverance and dedication, residents banded together and rebuilt the bridge with the support of the community.

In 2008, the covered bridge was again rebuilt, larger this time, with the assistance of grant funding through the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, the Illinois Department of Transportation, and Madison County.

The Glen Carbon covered bridge is a landmark in the Village that signifies its rich, historical roots while also representing the community’s pride in its adaptability and resilience. The Village of Glen Carbon celebrates its humble roots and embraces future growth.