Hewitt Covered Bridge in Hewitt PA
The Hewitt Covered Bridge is a historic wooden covered bridge located at Southampton Township in Bedford County, Pennsylvania. It is an 88-foot-long (27 m), low to medium Burr Truss bridge with a medium gable roof. It crosses Town Creek.
It crosses Town Creek. It is one of 15 historic covered bridges in Bedford County[1]
This bridge is on the National Register of Historical Places in Pennsylvania.
P. Joseph Lehman, Inc., Consulting Engineers undertook a major rehabilitation of the Hewitt bridge.
The original span of the 88-foot-long timber burr truss bridge was built in 1887.
The entire structure was taken apart, each timber and span numbered, and every piece that could be reused for the rehabilitation was reassembled in the new bridge(1999-2000)[photos]. Because of the superior craftsmanship employed on the original bridge, 80% of the original structure members were able to be used for the rehabilitation.
Computer modeling was utilized for the truss design to determine the weight capacity. A steel reinforced under span was also put in place. A 1983 flood washed away a stone and mortar abutment, so both abutments were replaced in the rehabilitation with cement and stone facing to recreate the appearance of the original bridge.
The total construction cost of the project was $617,000.[2]
The Hewett Bridge is just a few miles north of the Mason-Dixon Line and not too far from Flintstone Maryland near Southampton Pennsylvania.
It is still in use today.
I took these photos in 2006-2007 just a few years after the restoration. You can easily see this is a beautiful bridge and well cared for. Looking at the pre-restoration photos of Hewett Bridge, it appears much the way it does today.
The Hewitt Covered Bridge, located in Hewitt, Pennsylvania, is a historic covered bridge that spans the Little Juniata River. It was built in 1872 and is one of the few remaining covered bridges in the state of Pennsylvania. The bridge was named after the town of Hewitt, which is located near the bridge.
The Hewitt Covered Bridge is a unique example of the Burr Arch Truss design, a type of wooden bridge that uses a combination of arches and trusses to support the weight of the bridge and its traffic. The bridge is covered with a roof and siding to protect it from the elements and extend its lifespan. The bridge is 78 feet long and 14 feet wide, making it one of the smaller covered bridges in the state of Pennsylvania.
The Hewitt Covered Bridge has a rich history and has played a vital role in the development of Hewitt and the surrounding area. It was originally built to provide a means of crossing the river and connecting the nearby farms and homes to the rest of the region. The bridge was also used by horse-drawn carriages and later, by automobiles. The bridge served as a crucial transportation route for many years until it was eventually closed to vehicle traffic and became a pedestrian-only bridge.
Today, the Hewitt Covered Bridge is a popular tourist attraction and a favorite spot for photographers. The bridge has been beautifully restored and is now open to visitors who want to experience a piece of history. The bridge is surrounded by a beautiful park and picnic area, making it the perfect spot for a relaxing day trip. Visitors can take a stroll across the bridge and admire the beautiful scenery, including the river and the surrounding forests.
In conclusion, the Hewitt Covered Bridge is a historic landmark that has stood the test of time. The bridge is a testament to the ingenuity and craftsmanship of the builders of the past, and it serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving our heritage for future generations to enjoy. If you're in the Hewitt area, be sure to visit this beautiful covered bridge and take a step back in time.