Zimmerman Covered Bridge

About Zimmerman Covered Bridge

Zimmerman Covered Bridge, officially known as Schuylkill County Bridge No. 114, is a historic wooden covered bridge spanning Lower Little Swatara Creek in Washington Township, Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania. Built around 1880, this 65-foot Burr Arch Truss bridge is one of only two remaining covered bridges in a county that once had 51 such structures. The bridge underwent an extensive $2.8 million rehabilitation completed in November 2023, restoring it to excellent condition while preserving its historic character.

History of Zimmerman Covered Bridge

Zimmerman Covered Bridge was constructed around 1880 and has survived while 49 other covered bridges in Schuylkill County disappeared over time. The bridge was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1977 for its engineering significance as an intact Burr Arch covered bridge. Earlier rehabilitations occurred in 1997 and 2000, including lifting the structure and building new stone abutments. The 2023 restoration was the most extensive yet, with J.D. Eckman Inc. of Chester County performing the work. The project included repairs to stone abutments, siding, roof replacement with cedar shingles, and removal of earlier steel retrofits to restore the bridge's historic integrity. The wooden dowel pin construction was preserved to match the original 1880s craftsmanship.

Architecture and Design

Zimmerman Covered Bridge features a Burr Arch Truss design, incorporating joined segmental arches working with multiple Kingpost trusses on the upstream and downstream sides. The 65-foot single span reaches across Lower Little Swatara Creek without need of a center pier. The bridge is enclosed in wood siding beneath cedar roof shingles and is supported by stone abutments on either end. Clerestory openings between the top of the vertical siding and the roof overhang, connected with simple rounded brackets on each end, allow light into the interior. The bridge displays the traditional barn red color typical of Pennsylvania covered bridges.

Visiting Zimmerman Covered Bridge

Zimmerman Covered Bridge is located just off Rock Road (State Route 895), only about 10 minutes from Interstate 81, making it easily accessible for travelers. The bridge is located behind a dirt bike track, and while the noise may occasionally intrude, the beautiful wooded setting makes for excellent photography opportunities. There is a small pull-off on the side of the bridge opposite the dirt bike track. A small trail to the right of the bridge leads to a clearing offering nice vantage points for photographs. The coordinates are 40.544174, -76.325551. The bridge is less than two miles from Rock Covered Bridge, making both easily visitable in a single trip.