Pleasantville Covered Bridge

About Pleasantville Covered Bridge

Pleasantville Covered Bridge stands as a unique example of covered bridge construction, built in two distinct phases between 1852 and 1856. Spanning Little Manatawny Creek in Oley Township, this 126-foot bridge features a distinctive truss system created by its two-phase construction. The white-painted bridge provides a striking contrast to the typically red covered bridges in the region.

History of Pleasantville Covered Bridge

Construction began in 1852, but lumber shortages following the Great Flood of 1850 forced builders to halt work. The bridge was completed by a different builder in 1856. The unique circumstances of its construction resulted in a bridge with three sets of stiffening arches, making it a distinctive adaptation of Theodore Burr's patented truss form. The bridge was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1981 and contributes to the Oley Township Historic District. Restoration work in 2002-2004 added steel I-beams underneath for additional support while preserving the historic appearance.

Architecture and Design

Pleasantville Covered Bridge is distinctive for its two-phase construction that created an arch-stiffened pony truss completed in 1852 and covered in 1856. With three sets of stiffening arches, the bridge represents a unique adaptation of the Burr arch truss design. The bridge measures 126 feet in length and features stone abutments. While the unusual truss system may not be immediately apparent to casual observers, bridge enthusiasts will appreciate the engineering ingenuity required to complete this structure.

Visiting Pleasantville Covered Bridge

Pleasantville Covered Bridge is located on Covered Bridge Road between Oley and Boyertown, a short distance off Route 73 in eastern Berks County. The bridge remains open to vehicular traffic but has been repeatedly damaged by vehicles too large to cross safely. There is a small area to pull off on the southwestern side of the bridge for viewing and photography. The bridge is approximately 1.5 miles from Greisemer's Covered Bridge, making it easy to visit both in one trip. The surrounding Oley Valley offers beautiful rural scenery.