Constructed by Elias McMellen Opened 1973 Area 404.7 m² Body of water Conestoga River | Construction begin 1867 Total length 40 m Bridge type Burr Truss | |
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Official name Big Conestoga #6 Bridge Design single span, double Burr arch truss Locale Lancaster County, Pennsylvania Similar Hunsecker's Mill Covered, Landis Mill Covered Bridge, Zook's Mill Covered Bridge, Butcher's Mill Covered, Pool Forge Covered Bridge | ||
The Pinetown Bushong's Mill Covered Bridge is a covered bridge that spans the Conestoga River in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, United States. A county-owned and maintained bridge, its official designation is the Big Conestoga #6 Bridge. The bridge is also known as Pinetown Covered Bridge, Nolte's Point Mill Bridge and Bushong's Mill Bridge.
The bridge has a single span, wooden, double Burr arch trusses design with the addition of steel hanger rods. The deck is made from oak planks. It is painted red, the traditional color of Lancaster County covered bridges, on both the inside and outside. Both approaches to the bridge are painted in red with white trim.
The bridge's WGCB Number is 38-36-05. Added in 1980, it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as structure number 80003527. It is located at 40°6′19.2″N 76°14′53.4″W (40.10533, -76.24817).
History
The bridge was built in 1867 by Elias McMellen at a cost of $4,500. In 1972 it was destroyed as a result of flooding caused by Hurricane Agnes. Due to a tremendous response of area residents who signed a petition for its reconstruction, it was among the first covered bridges to be restored after Agnes. In the spring of 1973 the bridge was rebuilt by the nearby Amish. To prevent damage due to future flooding, they raised the bridge to 17 feet 6 inches (5.33 m) above the average water line. However, the bridge was closed after flood damage sustained due to Tropical Storm Lee in 2011. The bridge was reopened in January 2014.