Hunsecker's Mill Covered Bridge
Template:Use mdy dates Template:Use American English Template:Infobox bridge The Hunsecker's Mill Covered Bridge is a covered bridge located in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, United States.<ref name="lancaster.pa.us">Template:Cite web</ref> The bridge has a single span, wooden, double Burr arch trusses design. The bridge, which spans the Conestoga River, is Template:Convert long, making it the longest single span covered bridge in the county.<ref name="padutch">Template:Cite web</ref>
The bridge's WGCB Number is 38-36-06.<ref name="Bickel">Template:Cite web</ref> Unlike most historic covered bridges in the county, it is not listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is located at Template:Coord (40.08717, -76.24750). The bridge is approximately one mile southeast of Pennsylvania Route 272 and is Template:Convert north of Pennsylvania Route 23 off Mondale Road on Hunsecker Road, just west of the community of Hunsecker.<ref name="Travis">Template:Cite web</ref> The bridge divides the road on which it is upon into Hunsecker Road (East) in Upper Leacock Township and Hunsicker Road (West) in Manheim Township.
History
[edit]The original bridge was built in 1843<ref name="Bickel"/> by John Russell at a cost of $1,988. It was and is a double Burr Arch truss system. It has been swept away in flooding numerous times, most recently in 1972 after Hurricane Agnes.<ref name="McCain">Template:Cite web</ref> Waters lifted the original structure off its abutments and carried it downstream. In 1973, following destruction from the hurricane, it was rebuilt at a cost of $321,302.<ref name="padutch"/>Note:<ref name="note">Bickel lists 1948 as another reconstruction date, but fails to mention the significant and more recent 1972 flooding and subsequent reconstruction.</ref> Its length of 180 feet makes it the longest single-span covered bridge of Lancaster County's 28 covered bridges. While Schenck's covered bridge (Big Chiques #4) is one of 3 bridges with horizontal siding boards, the Hunsecker's Mill bridge may be the only one in Lancaster County with horizontal floor boards which give a unique vibration upon crossing, it is a little bumpy for cyclists at speed, proceed with some caution. A detailed scale model (~7' long), complete with stone abutments, was donated to the Lancaster Mennonite Historical Society and may be available for viewing.
Dimensions
[edit]- Length: Template:Convert total length<ref name="padutch"/><ref name="Bickel"/><ref name="McCain"/>
- Width: Template:Convert total width<ref name="Bickel"/><ref name="McCain"/>
- Overhead clearance: Template:Convert<ref name="Bickel"/>
Gallery
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A three-quarters view of the bridge
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Another view from a different angle
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A side view
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The approach to the bridge from the east
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The inside of the bridge showing the Burr arch truss
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A closer look of the Burr arch bridge
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A closeup of spot where the floor meets the wall
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The center of the bridge highlighting the Burr arch truss
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A view out of the bridge's window
