Location
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Zimmerman's Covered Bridge is located on Covered Bridge Road, near Route 895 and close to the unincorporated town of Rock, Pennsylvania. Traveling west on Route 895 will take visitors toward Pine Grove.
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Schuylkill County has only two covered bridges; this bridge is one of them, highlighting its local rarity, as some nearby counties like Lebanon have none, while Lancaster County is known for its abundance of such bridges.
Architectural and Historical Details
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The bridge utilizes the Burr Arch Truss. A design-blend of the Burr Arch and King Post Truss that helps lengthen the lifespan and improves the stability of wooden bridges. The king post refers to the vertical and angled timbers, while the arch is a curved support beneath the bridge floor.
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Zimmerman's Covered Bridge is approximately 50 feet long and underwent significant refurbishment in 1996 when it was lifted from its abutments and the structure was restored.
Purpose of Covered Bridges
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Covered bridges have roofs and enclosed sides primarily to protect the wooden structure from the elements—especially rain and snow—which would otherwise rot the wood and shorten the lifespan of the bridge.
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Uncovered wooden bridges typically lasted only about 20 years, while a covered bridge could endure for a century or more because the cover offers vital protection, similar to a roof on a house.
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There is also a common belief that the sides of these bridges prevented horses from being startled by the water or the drop below.
Visitor Experience
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The bridge can be walked and even driven through. There is also a trail below it offering scenic views of the bridge from beneath, making it accessible for excursion and photography.
Zimmerman's Covered Bridge remains a unique part of Pennsylvania’s architectural and historical heritage and provides insight into both 19th-century engineering and the practical reasons for the iconic design of covered bridges.
