Claycomb Covered Bridge

About Claycomb Covered Bridge

Claycomb Covered Bridge is a historic 126-foot Burr Arch Truss bridge located at the entrance to Old Bedford Village. Originally built in 1880 in Reynoldsdale, it was moved to its present location in 1975 and carries vehicles over the Raystown Branch of the Juniata River.

History of Claycomb Covered Bridge

Claycomb Covered Bridge was built in 1880 in Reynoldsdale, Pennsylvania, about 15 minutes north of its current location. Because of this original location, it is sometimes referred to as Reynoldsdale Covered Bridge. When Old Bedford Village was being established in 1975, the bridge was moved to serve as the entrance to the living history museum. During the move, the Burr Truss design was reinforced with steel to support the heavier traffic, including buses visiting the village.

Architecture and Design

The bridge uses a Burr Arch Truss design, the most common truss type in Pennsylvania. At 126 feet, it is one of the longer covered bridges in Bedford County. The structure is unpainted, featuring natural weathered wood, and the roof is constructed of cedar shakes. The deck consists of crossboard planks and the sides are totally enclosed. It sits on poured concrete abutments that were installed during its relocation.

Visiting Claycomb Covered Bridge

Claycomb Covered Bridge is located north of downtown Bedford near the Pennsylvania Turnpike at the entrance to Old Bedford Village on Business Route 220. While the bridge is at the village entrance, you don't need to pay admission to see it as it's owned by the county. Visitors can park in the Old Bedford Village parking lot or in a small pull-off area just before the bridge. The bridge remains open to traffic.