Ryot Covered Bridge in Ryot PA
The Ryot Covered Bridge, located in Ryot, Pennsylvania, is a historic covered bridge that spans the Little Juniata River. It was built in 1873 and is one of the few remaining covered bridges in the state of Pennsylvania. The bridge was named after the town of Ryot, which is located near the bridge.
The Ryot 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 95 feet long and 15 feet wide, making it one of the larger covered bridges in the state of Pennsylvania.
The Ryot Covered Bridge has a rich history and has played a vital role in the development of Ryot 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 Ryot 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 Ryot 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 Ryot area, be sure to visit this beautiful covered bridge and take a step back in time.
It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980. A request to remove the bridge from the National Register has been submitted after its being damaged by fire in 2002.
The bridge was set on fire by teenage arsonists in 2002. Most of the wooden parts of the bridge were badly damaged. The Ryot Bridge was rehabilitated only seven years earlier, so most of the added steel supports remained intact, along with the stone abutments. The bridge was restored by P. Joseph Lehman, Inc., at a total cost of $300,000.[1]
Pittsburg Post-Gazette: State police have charged a Lancaster teen-ager with torching a 135-year-old covered bridge in Bedford County last month, turning a local heirloom into a charred $300,000 loss.
"He just decided to go set the fire," state police Sgt. Daniel Krauss of the Bedford barracks, said yesterday.
"It was vandalism and whatever makes that type of person seek that type of thrill," Bedford County District Attorney Dwight Diehl said.
While 18-year-old Edwin Sanders V, sat in Bedford County Prison yesterday, unable to raise $100,000 bail, state police pressed the investigation further. But neither Diehl nor Krauss would say if more arrests are expected.
Last week, investigators were focusing on Sanders and, after questioning Monday, charged him with arson, causing a catastrophe and conspiracy to commit arson, counts carrying up to 10 years in prison.
The ruined structure, the Ryot Covered Bridge, is an 81-foot span, one of the county's 14 surviving covered bridges. In 1995, it was fixed up for $480,000 -- still leaving it with half of its vintage timber.
But early on Aug. 14, police say, Sanders was visiting friends in Bedford County when he set fire to the bridge, destroying almost all but its abutments and steel support beams.[2]
Two additional arrests were made Tuesday evening for the Aug. fire that destroyed a historical covered bridge in Bedford Co.
State police said Joshua Bartholomew, 19 of Schellsburgh and a 16 year-old of Lancaster, PA. were each charged Tues. with arson, conspiracy, burglary, theft and causing or risking a catastrophe.
The 16 yr. old was taken to the Cambria County Juvenile Detention Home to await his hearing in Bedford Co. Juvenile court. Bartholomew was placed in Bedford Co. prison in lieu of $100,000 straight bond. He must pay the entire $100,000 before being released. . . . . Commissioners have vowed to rebuild the historic bridge, despite a cost of about $300,000.
Police charged that the trio stole a container of gasoline from a shed Aug. 14 and drove around looking for something to burn. Bartholomew and the 16 yr. old poured the galoline on the bridge, and Sanders lit the fire police said.
In another related item in the Altoona Mirror dated 9/28/02, Kauffman Metals Inc. and Beford Materials, have agreed to donate materials to help rebuild the Ryot covered bridge. Kauffman Metals will provide the roofing, and Bedford Materials will donate the decking.[Altoona Mirror]
The arsonists paid a small amount toward the reconstruction of the bridge.
The bridge was reopened to traffic in 2004 and removed from the National Register of Historic Places because there simply was not enough of the original bridge to signify historical significance.
The Ryot Covered Bridge spans Dunning Creek just a few miles north of the Cuppetts Covered Bridge and is still in use.
These photographs were taken only 2-3 years after being rebuilt.