Turner's Covered Bridge

About Turner's Covered Bridge

Turner's Covered Bridge, also known as Raystown Covered Bridge or Diehls Covered Bridge, is an 88-foot Burr Arch Truss bridge built around 1892. It crosses the Raystown Branch of the Juniata River and features distinctive open sides for natural light.

History of Turner's Covered Bridge

The exact date that Turner's Covered Bridge was built isn't known for certain, but it is thought to have been constructed sometime around 1892. The bridge goes by several names including Raystown Covered Bridge and Diehls Covered Bridge. It is the furthest upstream of the covered bridges located on the Raystown Branch of the Juniata River in Bedford County. The builder remains unknown, which is common for many historic bridges in the region.

Architecture and Design

Turner's Covered Bridge uses a Burr Arch Truss design and spans 88 feet. The bridge is approximately 89 feet long according to some sources. It features open-air construction on the sides, allowing natural light to illuminate the interior. The white painted exterior with traditional styling makes it a beautiful example of Bedford County bridge architecture. Like many covered bridges in the county, it sits on stone abutments.

Visiting Turner's Covered Bridge

Turner's Covered Bridge is located just off Route 31 west of Bedford, along Faupel Road. The road dead-ends at the Pennsylvania Turnpike shortly after crossing the bridge, so there's nothing to see beyond it. There is room for several cars to pull off the road prior to crossing the bridge. The scenic setting along the Juniata River makes it worth the short detour.