Chester County recently celebrated the opening of the reconstructed Rudolph and Arthur Covered Bridge that spans the Big Elk Creek, reconnecting Elk and New London townships in southern Chester County.

County Commissioners Josh Maxwell, Marian Moskowitz, and Eric Roe were joined by State Rep. John Lawrence and dozens of local residents, historians, and covered bridge enthusiasts at the ribbon-cutting ceremony. The new bridge replaces the 140-year-old bridge that was tragically swept away when the remnants of Hurricane Ida passed through the area in September of 2021. The storm brought devastating flood waters to the area.

The new structure faithfully replicates the original 1880 design with the distinctive Burr Arch Truss. 

Chester County government owns and maintains 91 roadway bridges, as well as two bridges over the Schuylkill River co-owned with Montgomery County. More than half of the county’s bridges are over 75 years old, and many are more than 100 years old. Of the 15 covered bridges located in Chester County, five are owned and maintained by Chester County government.

It’s a shame that the original bridge was lost to a storm, but kudos to the elected officials who worked to ensure that the new bridge is true to the original designs.