$500,000 facelift for Greene County covered bridge
The historic Shriver Covered Bridge in Greene County will receive a $500,000 facelift from the U.S. Transportation Department’s national Historic Covered Bridge Preservation program.
?The grant will be used to rehabilitate the bridge, which is in Center Township south of Rogersville, according to U.S. Rep. Mark S. Critz, D-Johnstown.
The Shriver Covered Bridge is listed in the National Register of Historic Places and is one of seven covered bridges in the county.
It is covered with random-width, unpainted vertical board siding on both sides and portals, has a sheet metal roof and a deck of crosswise planking. Length-wise openings immediately under the eaves are the only side openings on the bridge.
The bridge is reinforced with steel I beams and rests on cut stone abutments that appear to have been laid dry and has wing walls of similar material that extend slightly above the road level.
The grant will be used to rehabilitate the timber truss, replace deteriorated wood, install connections between steel beams and truss, install a new deck, rehabilitate abutments and wing walls, and install scour protection.
“The many covered bridges of Greene and Washington counties lure thousands of annual visitors to explore their unique charm and scenic beauty,” said Critz.
“I’m delighted that this $500,000 federal grant will be used to rehabilitate the Shriver Covered Bridge and to preserve it for future generations.”
“Covered bridges are a big part of Greene County’s rich history,” said Pam Snyder, chairman of county board of commissioners. “All but two of our covered bridges have already been restored, and I’d like to thank Congressman Critz for ensuring that this federal grant was available to rehabilitate the Shriver Covered Bridge.”
The National Historic Covered Bridge Preservation Program was established by the 1998 Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA21).
The program provides funding to help states preserve, rehabilitate, or restore historic covered bridges listed or eligible for listing on the National Register for Historic Places.