Rapps Dam Covered Bridge Reopens After Temporary Repairs

EAST PIKELAND TOWNSHIP, PA — Great news for area residents: the Rapps Dam Covered Bridge, which was damaged last week when it was struck by a vehicle, has been reopened after temporary repairs were made, East Pikeland Township announced.

Crews from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation made a temporary repair to the historic structure after State Sen. John Rafferty (R-44) "intervened," according to the township, which credited Rafferty with the swift reopening.

Officials said a permanent repair would be made once the proper "historic materials" are made available in the coming weeks.

The bridge was closed indefinitely after it was struck on the morning of March 29. At the time, it wasn't clear when it would reopen.

Residents are all too familiar with the local landmark, which dates to 1866, being closed down. A tractor trailer smashed into the structure in 2014, leading to a closure for more than year.

The entire bridge, which runs over French Creek, was reconstructed in 1978 and underwent significant repairs again in 2011.

Image courtesy East Pikeland Township