Dellville Bridge
The Dellville Bridge, built in 1889 by Andrew Clouser, is 174 feet long by 20 feet wide and has an interior height of 11 feet 10 inches. The Burr Arch Truss bridge with window openings under the eaves is the longest and widest covered bridge in Perry County. The planking is 2 inches by 16 feet. It has stone and mortar wing walls.
Initially single span, a center pier was added in 1932, and steel I-beams in 1957. The bridge was rebuilt in 1973 by Stephen J. Esh after damages from flooding from Hurricane Agnes in 1972. It was rebuilt again in 1997 after damages from flooding from Hurricane Fran in 1996. In 20?? a new steel and concrete bridge was built across Sherman's Creek adjacent to the Dellville covered bridge. The bridge was still open for light traffic with a beautiful picnic/rest area over the bridge, but there is no outlet, just a turnaround to go back over the bridge to exit the site.
In November 2014, this wonderful historic bridge was destroyed by a fire set by arsonists (see image). There is a fundraising program to gain funds to rebuild this beautiful bridge again.
Posted on the National Register of Historical Places August 25, 1980 NRHP Ref 80003593 and World Guide to Covered Bridges No. 38-50-16GPS 40 21.82 N 77 06.98 W or 40.363547 -77.116444
From Harrisburg: Interstate 81 take exit 67. Take Rt 322/22 approximately 20 miles to the Exit for Newport and New Bloomfield. Turn left at the end of the exit ramp onto Rt 34.
Travel 1 mile and cross the Juniata River on the old Iron Bridge. Continue straight through town (Market St) to the stop sign at the corner of 4th and Market St. Turn left and continue on Rt 34 for 5 miles to New Bloomfield.
At the Square in New Bloomfield continue straight through on Rt 274. Travel approximately 18 miles and turn left on Adams Grove Road (About 1 mile from Blain). Travel approximately 2 miles, and the bridge site will be on the right side.