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Lancaster
and Chester Counties, Pennsylvania
(WGN
38-36-38/38-15-19) (WGCB PA-36-38/PA-15-19) (1880;
renovated 1991; repaired 1996) A single-span Burr arch truss 102'
7" over Octoaro Creek. Located: Approximately
2.5 miles south of Christiana, Pennsylvania, in Sadsbury Township, Lancaster
County, Pennsylvania and 1.5 miles south of Atglen, Pennsylvania, in Fallowfield
Township, Chester County, Pennsylvania. Directions: From Lancaster
County, Pennsylvania on SR 2009, approximately 1.5 miles south of Christiana,
Pennsylvania, turn southeast on an unnamed road to follow the course of
the East Branch of the Octoraro Creek (look for sign along road “Entering
Scenic Octoraro Creek”). Continue approximately 1 mile to the bridge.
From Chester County, Pennsylvania on SR 41, approximately 2 miles south
of Atglen, Pennsylvania, at the jct. of SR 41 and Highland Road, go southwest
on Highland Road for 1.2 miles to jct. with Bailey Crossroads. Turn
right (northwest ) on Bailey Crossroads for 1.4 miles to the bridge. The
original cost of construction in 1880 was $1,652. This
bridge has the widest “clear roadway” of any in the Lancaster County area
- 14' 5". The Portal ends of the bridge are slightly different from
other bridges in the area, in that they have curved, rather than angular,
openings. The sides have vertical board and batten siding, and the
portal gable ends are covered with ship lapped siding. The
structure rests on stone and mortar abutments with stone and mortar wing
walls and parapets. The parapets are capped with concrete.
In 1991, the bridge received new siding and paint, and further repairs
were made in 1996. Also known as the Mercer’s Ford Covered Bridge.
It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on December 11,
1980. (Oct 2004;Jun 2008) |
