Oct

2011

8:32pm, EDT

Richard Hertzler / Intelligencer Journal via AP

Crews use cranes to lift the Siegrist Mill covered bridge out of Chiques Creek and set it ashore Tuesday, Oct. 18 in Mount Joy, Pa. The bridge, which was left intact but heavily damaged after flooding in the aftermath of Tropical Storm Irene knocked it from its 50-ton anchors and set it adrift, will be rebuilt on shore before being returned to its original resting place. Lancaster County officials estimate that it will take a year to complete the repairs.

Crews work to reclaim covered bridge swept away in flood

By Rich Shulman

I guess it's pretty nice that this historic bridge can be rebuilt. But you have to wonder if it will be adequate for the next big flood.

WGAL.com reports:

RAPHO TOWNSHIP, Pa. - Nearly six weeks after floodwaters wrenched it from its foundation, a popular Lancaster County covered bridge is on the mend.

The Little Chickies Creek near Mount Joy and Rapho Township swelled so much in September's flooding that it swept away the Seigrist Covered Bridge, which was built in 1885. The bridge floated downstream and became stuck.

On Tuesday, crews started work to move the 50-ton bridge back upstream to its home. Cranes will hoist it out of the creek and place it on the banks. Once there, workers will repair and restore the 126-year-old span. Then it can be settled onto its foundation.

County commissioners approved the plan to repair the bridge.

Explore related topics: flood, tropical-storm-irene, lancaster-county, covered-bridge

TheTXdrifter

I've got no problems restoring things of historical value, but in these hard economic times I wonder how many teachers or public workers they are going to need to lay-off in that state or county to pay for this. (I believe I heard something about the capital city there in PA filing for bankruptcy).