Pack Saddle Covered Bridge closed after hit by plow truck
FAIRHOPE TWP. ― The historic Pack Saddle Bridge was closed Jan. 8 by the Somerset County Commissioners after it was damaged during a snowstorm.
State police reported that county employees contacted the Somerset barracks Jan. 11 asking for a crash investigation after the bridge in Fairhope Township was damaged sometime between Jan. 5-7.
County maintenance employees speculated a plow truck struck the overhead bridge structure during the snowstorm on Jan. 6.
Police determined a Fairhope Township plow truck did hit the covered bridge. It was not immediately reported because of inclement weather and deteriorating conditions.
More: Here were the most viewed stories from 2023 at the Daily American website
The driver did not believe he damaged the bridge, but police said the evidence suggested otherwise.
Somerset County Commissioners announced the closing of Pack Saddle Bridge until the bridge is fixed. A detour is posted in the project area for individuals affected by its closing.
Historic covered bridge
The Pack Saddle Covered Bridge, near the intersection of Pine Valley Road and Route 2019, or Glen Savage Road, is the shortest covered bridge in Somerset County. It measures 48 feet long and 14 feet wide. The county-owned bridge crosses over Brush Creek. It was built in 1870 and rehabilitated in 1950, but was damaged by floodwaters in 1996. It was restored and reopened in 1998.
More: Somerset County Blooms of Hope set for 2024
Vehicles under the 9-foot, 11-inch height restriction and 3-ton weight limit could drive on the bridge.
This article originally appeared on The Daily American: Somerset County Covered bridge closed after damaged by plow truck
