Barronvale Covered Bridge

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Sometimes you do in fact get lucky.  A recent 6 or 8" blanket of snow, a rare clear winter day with the temperature just around or below freezing, throw in a covered bridge and you have a nearly perfect winter scene.  Such was the case when I came across the Barronvale Covered Bridge on Christmas Eve in 2009.  The Barronvale Covered Bridge or Barron's Mill Bridge crosses Laurel Hill Creek in Western Somerset County.

The Barronvale Covered Bridge on a perfect winter day.
The bridge's origin seems to be somewhat unknown as various sources report 1830, 1846 and 1902 as the bridge's construction date.   At 162 feet, the double span burr arch truss bridge is the longest of the ten remaining covered bridges in Somerset County. The bridge is only open to pedestrians and has been on the National Register of Historic Places since 1980.
  
Interior of the Barronvale Bridge and example of the Burr Arch Truss.
Bridge Specs:
  • Number: 38-56-03
  • Built: 1902
  • Design: Burr Arch Truss
  • Length: 162 feet
  • Crosses: Laurel Hill Creek


All photos taken by post author December 24, 2009.

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