Columbia–Wrightsville Bridge

The Columbia–Wrightsville Bridge is a reinforced concrete deck arch structure that crosses the Susquehanna River and links the towns of Columbia and Wrightsville. The structure features 27 river piers and 22 approach piers supporting a roadway approximately 38 feet wide.

The current structure was completed in 1930, replacing earlier bridges at the site including the world's longest covered bridge erected in 1814. This rebuilding addressed growing transportation needs in the region during the early twentieth century.

The bridge received its Veterans Memorial designation in 1980, becoming a symbol of local pride in honoring military service. This naming reflects how the communities on both sides have chosen to acknowledge their connection to the region's past.

The bridge serves Pennsylvania Route 462 and BicyclePA Route S, accommodating both vehicles and people on foot. Visitors should use the marked routes for access, and it is worth knowing that traffic can be heavy during peak hours.

Engineers recognize this structure as the world's longest concrete multi-arch bridge, with average spans of roughly 185 feet between arches. This distinction reflects early twentieth-century construction innovations and remains of technical interest to engineering professionals.

Location: Wrightsville

Location: Columbia

Inception: 1930

Official opening: September 30, 1930

Length: 2,029 m

GPS coordinates: 40.02900,-76.51700

Latest update: December 8, 2025 19:57