Krickbaum Covered Bridge

About Krickbaum Covered Bridge

Krickbaum Covered Bridge, built in 1876, is a 68-foot Queen Truss span that crosses the South Branch of Roaring Creek between Cleveland Township in Columbia County and Ralpho Township in Northumberland County. As one of four bridges spanning the border between these two counties, Krickbaum Bridge serves both counties' covered bridge networks. The 1870s construction represents the post-Civil War era of infrastructure development when Pennsylvania communities were rebuilding and expanding their transportation systems. The bridge's location on the county border makes it significant to both Columbia and Northumberland Counties' covered bridge heritage.

History

Constructed in 1876, Krickbaum Covered Bridge was built during Pennsylvania's post-Civil War infrastructure development period. The bridge was named after a local family and provided essential crossing of the South Branch of Roaring Creek for farming communities in both counties. The 1870s were a prosperous time for rural Pennsylvania agriculture, and reliable bridges were vital for transporting farm products to markets. The Queen Truss design was chosen as an economical and effective structural system for the 68-foot span. The bridge has served local traffic for nearly 150 years, demonstrating excellent construction quality and ongoing maintenance. As a border bridge, it has been maintained through cooperation between both counties' authorities, ensuring its preservation for future generations.

Architecture

The 68-foot bridge employs a Queen Truss design, using vertical support posts combined with diagonal bracing to create an efficient structural framework. The bridge features traditional weatherboard siding with painted portals. Hand-hewn timber structural members are joined using mortise-and-tenon connections secured with wooden pegs - construction methods typical of 1870s Pennsylvania bridge building. The Queen Truss design's simplicity and effectiveness made it popular for moderate-span rural creek crossings. The bridge's location spanning two counties makes it part of both Columbia and Northumberland Counties' covered bridge heritage. The structure's excellent preservation demonstrates how regular maintenance extends covered bridge lifespans beyond a century of service.

Visiting

Krickbaum Covered Bridge is located on the border between Columbia and Northumberland Counties, crossing the South Branch of Roaring Creek between Cleveland Township and Ralpho Township. The bridge continues to carry vehicle traffic and provides access across this scenic waterway. The Roaring Creek valley offers beautiful rural Pennsylvania scenery. The bridge's border location makes it part of covered bridge tours in both counties. It can be visited in combination with other Columbia County bridges and with Northumberland County bridges. The area near Knoebels Amusement Park makes the bridge accessible to park visitors exploring the region's covered bridge heritage. Photography opportunities are good year-round. Best visited April through November when weather and road conditions are optimal.