Schlicher’s Covered Bridge

This project involves the extensive rehabilitation of the existing historic double burr arch truss timber covered bridge to increase the structural capacity and safety of the bridge. The span of the existing covered bridge is approximately 116′ long. This bridge is the last covered bridge that is owned by Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) District 5-0. The current bridge is closed to traffic due to severe deterioration as well as severe sagging (approximately 1.8′) of the structure. The proposed rehabilitation for this project includes replacing the current timber stringers and floorbeams with multiple steel I-beams spanning from new abutment to new abutment. The new steel I-beam will allow higher live load carrying capacity for emergency vehicles or legal loads over the bridge. All deteriorated timber truss members will be replaced in kind when possible with new full sawn timber members.

Of the remaining timber members considered to be part of the original historic fabric, approximately 90% of them require replacement. The substructure units will be replaced with new reinforced concrete substructures. The new abutments will receive Architectural Surface Treatment to help the bridge maintain its historic look.

LDG coordinated with the PennDOT District 5-0 and Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission (PHMC) to discuss the proposed rehabilitation project and receive concurrence of the proposed work from PHMC, since the existing structure is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.