Schofield Ford Covered Bridge

About

Schofield Ford Covered Bridge crosses Neshaminy Creek in Tyler State Park, between Newtown and Northampton Townships in Bucks County. It is 164 ft long and 15 ft wide according to the Bucks County Covered Bridge Society (another source gives 170 ft). It was built in 1873 and is now closed to vehicles. Walkers, cyclists and horseback riders use it as part of the park's trail and bridle path system.

History

The bridge was built in 1873 to connect Newtown and Northampton Townships. Arsonists destroyed it on October 7, 1991. More than 800 volunteers rebuilt it on the original abutments and piers using native Pennsylvania hemlock and white oak, and it reopened in September 1997. The bridge had been on the National Register of Historic Places, and its listing was withdrawn after the fire.

Design

Schofield Ford uses a queenpost truss supporting a Town lattice truss, with each queenpost pinned to the lattice diagonals by an oak trunnel. The Bucks County Covered Bridge Society describes it as the only Pennsylvania bridge with this system. WHYY notes it is the only unpainted covered bridge in the county.

Visiting

From PA 413, take the Newtown Bypass to Swamp Road and head north 1.6 miles, past Bucks County Community College. Turn left at the bridge sign into the Covered Bridge parking lot, then follow the Covered Bridge Path downhill and walk about a quarter mile.

Sources: Schofield Ford Covered Bridge (Bucks County Covered Bridge Society), Schofield Ford Covered Bridge (coveredbridges.net), Tyler State Park (Wikipedia)