What’s more iconic to rural America than a covered bridge?
In 1871, when Meadowcroft’s Pine Bank Bridge was constructed, there were at least 10,000 covered bridges in the U.S. Today there are 672.
The Pine Bank Covered Bridge, at 145-years-old, is getting a complete rehabilitation this summer. The bridge was originally constructed over Tom’s Run in the village of Pine Bank in Greene County, Pa. In 1961, when PennDOT planned to replace the dated span with concrete and steel, Meadowcroft founder Albert Miller rescued the retired bridge. He dismantled the timber-framed structure and moved it 70 miles to be part of Camp Meadowcroft, the forerunner of Meadowcroft Rockshelter and Historic Village.
The bridge was recently dismantled again in order to repair the aging timbers and prepare it for another 145 years. Fitzgerald’s Heavy Timber Construction, Inc. was selected as the contractor based on their extensive experience working with timber-framed structures. Work will continue throughout the summer in order to prepare the bridge for Washington & Greene Counties’ 46th annual Covered Bridge Festival held September 17 and 18.
The rehabilitation work is being funded by grants from the Washington County Local Share Account, the Washington County Tourism Grant Program, and the Keystone Historic Preservation Grant Program.
Take a look below at the Pine Bank Covered Bridge in its original location and throughout its life, including the current rehabilitation.
David Scofield is the director of Meadowcroft Rockshelter and Historic Village.