Zimmerman’s Covered Bridge (Schuylkill County Bridge No. 114)

Schuylkill County Real Estate
Washington Township, Schuylkill County, PA

Larson Design Group (LDG) provided bridge and roadway design services for the historic Zimmerman’s Covered Bridge (Schuylkill County Bridge No. 114) in Washington Township, Schuylkill County, one of only two remaining covered bridges countywide. The unique, timber Burr arch truss bridge was originally constructed circa 1880 and was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in January of 1978, but was exhibiting moderate to severe decay throughout the timbers when work began in 2018. 

It was a complex and specialized covered bridge rehabilitation project; due to the condition of the bridge, it was quickly identified that it should be removed from the substructures and completely dismantled. The in-depth inspection identified that 60% (by volume) of the left truss, right truss and roof system required replacement. One hundred percent of the floor system and siding also required replacement. The work also required coordination not only with PennDOT and Schuylkill County for the technical execution of the work, but also with stakeholders such as the Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission (PHMC) and the Federal Highway Agency (FHWA) to ensure that the rehabilitation would meet all historical requirements. 

Completed in 2023, the preservation of this historically significant bridge will continue to provide safe, reliable transportation for all motorists and to highlight Schuylkill County as a destination for covered bridge enthusiasts.