Josiah Hess Bridge Abutments Damaged

 

Friday, June 30, 2006 - I have been in correspondence with Chris Young, a Columbia County (PA) Commissioner and President of the Columbia County Covered Bridges Association in regards to the flood damage in their area. On wednesday as you are already aware the West Paden Tin Bridge was washed away. Now, the Josiah Hess Bridge, PA-19-10, is in danger of collapse.

At first appeared that it was OK but as the water began to recede it bacame evident that the floodwaters had eroded the foundation and abutment and a noticeable sag developed at one end of the bridge. Please check out the website: www.bentonnews.net for photos of the damage. They are trying to get a crane in to support the bridge with a steel beam to avert its collapse. Let's keep our fingers crossed that they are successful. Hope to see some of you this weekend at our meeting & picnic in Lancaster.

Sincerely,
Tom Walczak