About Erwinna Covered Bridge
Erwinna Covered Bridge stands as a testament to early 19th-century bridge building in Bucks County. Constructed in 1832, this 56-foot span crosses Lodi Creek near the charming riverside village of Erwinna. Despite its modest length, the bridge holds the distinction of being the longest single-span covered bridge in Bucks County, demonstrating the engineering capabilities of Pennsylvania's early bridge builders.
The bridge serves the picturesque Delaware River valley region, where steep hillsides rise from the riverbank and historic canal towns dot the landscape. Erwinna's covered bridge connects the small community to the wider network of roads that once linked Pennsylvania's interior to the river ports along the Delaware.
History
Built in 1832, Erwinna Covered Bridge dates to the canal era when the Delaware Canal was transforming commerce along the river. The bridge provided crucial access for farmers and merchants conducting business with canal boats and river traffic. The village of Erwinna, named after early settler Erwin, grew around the canal and bridge crossing.
Throughout the 19th century, the bridge witnessed the rise and decline of canal transportation, the coming of the railroad, and the transformation of the Delaware River valley from a commercial corridor to a recreational destination. The bridge survived multiple floods, including devastating events that destroyed other structures along Lodi Creek.
By the mid-20th century, Erwinna Covered Bridge had become recognized as a historic landmark. Preservation efforts ensured the bridge's survival even as many other covered bridges were being replaced. Today, it stands as one of the oldest continuously used covered bridges in Bucks County, connecting past and present in this scenic river valley.
Architecture
Erwinna Covered Bridge employs the Burr Arch truss design, which was revolutionizing bridge construction when this span was built in 1832. Theodore Burr's innovative combination of a load-bearing arch with traditional king-post truss elements allowed builders to create stronger, more durable bridges than earlier designs permitted.
At 56 feet, the bridge represents an optimal length for single-span construction using available timber resources. The vertical board siding, painted in traditional red, protects the internal structure from weather while creating the iconic appearance that has made Pennsylvania's covered bridges famous worldwide.
The interior reveals hand-hewn timbers joined with wooden pegs and hand-forged iron hardware, all characteristic of early 19th-century construction methods. The Burr arch members, visible on either side of the roadway, curve gracefully from the abutments, transferring the bridge's weight efficiently to the stone foundations below.
Visiting Erwinna Covered Bridge
Erwinna Covered Bridge is located in Tinicum Township, Bucks County, in the village of Erwinna along the Delaware River. The bridge is easily accessible from River Road (PA Route 32), which runs along the Pennsylvania side of the Delaware River between New Hope and Upper Black Eddy.
Best Times to Visit: Autumn provides spectacular foliage colors in the Delaware River valley. Spring offers rushing water in Lodi Creek and blooming vegetation. Summer weekends can be busy with tourists visiting nearby attractions.
Photo Tips: The bridge photographs beautifully from the downstream side, capturing both the structure and Lodi Creek. Early morning light creates warm tones on the red siding. The surrounding hillsides provide elevated viewpoints for wider landscape shots including the bridge.
Nearby Attractions: The village of Erwinna offers several bed and breakfasts, antique shops, and riverside dining. The Delaware Canal State Park provides hiking and biking trails. River tubing and kayaking are popular summer activities. The artist colony of New Hope is just 10 miles south.