Bitzer's Mill Covered Bridge, Covered bridge in West Earl Township, US
Bitzer's Mill Covered Bridge is a wooden structure that spans the Conestoga River with red exterior walls and a passage about 15 feet wide. The construction combines a double Burr arch truss design with additional steel hanger rods and oak planks reinforced underneath by steel support beams.
The bridge was built in 1846 by George Fink and Sam Reamsnyder and remains the oldest operational covered bridge in Lancaster County. Its inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places reflects its importance as an example of 19th century bridge engineering craftsmanship.
The red exterior walls reflect a common look for covered bridges found throughout Lancaster County's farming region. This color choice remains a recognizable feature of the local covered bridge tradition.
The bridge has a strict height limit of about 10 feet 6 inches, so drivers should check clearance before attempting to cross. It is important to drive slowly and carefully since the roadway is tight with low overhead.
The bridge was originally built for a modest sum and is one of the few remaining examples of its construction approach. The mix of historic wooden elements with steel components added later shows how old structures were reinforced to extend their useful life.
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