North Oriental Covered Bridge

About North Oriental Covered Bridge

North Oriental Covered Bridge, also known as Beaver Covered Bridge or Curry's Corner Bridge, is a 62-foot covered bridge spanning Mahantango Creek between Juniata and Snyder Counties in Pennsylvania. Built in 1908, this Kingpost Truss bridge is one of two covered bridges connecting the two counties at the Mahantango Creek border. Unlike the nearby East Oriental Covered Bridge, North Oriental is well-maintained and still carries daily traffic.

History of North Oriental Covered Bridge

The original North Oriental Covered Bridge was constructed in 1908 to serve the rural communities near the village of Oriental and Meiserville. The bridge was damaged by a truck and subsequently rebuilt in 1987, preserving its historic character while ensuring structural integrity. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1979. The bridge is publicly owned and maintained by PennDOT, ensuring its continued upkeep.

Architecture and Design

The bridge features a Kingpost Truss design (some sources describe it as Multiple Kingpost), measuring 62 feet in length with a deck width of approximately 12.6 feet. The total length including approaches is about 68.6 feet. The bridge sits in a scenic location over Mahantango Creek, which forms the county border. Its well-maintained condition stands in contrast to the deteriorating East Oriental Covered Bridge located nearby.

Visiting North Oriental Covered Bridge

North Oriental Covered Bridge is located just north of the town of Oriental, accessible via local roads near Route 104. While the bridge remains open to vehicular traffic, visitors should exercise caution as this is an active roadway. There is no dedicated parking area, but cars can safely pull off to the side of the road in several spots. The land surrounding the bridge is marked as private property, so viewing is best done from the road itself.