Chester County officials unveiled the reconstructed Rudolph and Arthur Covered Bridge, which spans Big Elk Creek and connects Elk and New London Townships. The ceremony, attended by county commissioners, State Representative John Lawrence, and local author Sara Beth Kohut, marked the completion of the historical restoration project, according to the County of Chester.
Replacing the original bridge destroyed by Hurricane Ida’s floodwaters in 2021, the new structure reflects the community’s resilience and commitment to preservation. Closely replicating the 1880 Burr Arch Truss design, the county stated that the project “honors the craftsmanship and heritage of the original bridge,” as reported by the County of Chester.
The 140-year-old Rudolph and Arthur Covered Bridge in Chester County was lost, drawing attention to the county’s aging infrastructure. More than half of its 91 roadway bridges are over 75 years old, and 15 covered bridges remain, with the county responsible for maintaining five. The bridge, named after local milling families, is being rebuilt to restore the connection between two townships and preserve a part of the area’s history, as stated by the County of Chester.
