ALLENTOWN, Pa. — The rehabilitation of the oldest bridge in Lehigh County is now facing delays due to unexpected wood deterioration found during construction.
Bogert’s Covered Bridge in Allentown is in the midst of a $2.6 million grant-funded overhaul that started in September 2026.
Allentown officials say that due to the wood deterioration, workers are now awaiting a special order of custom wooden timbers. Work will continue on the bridge as soon as they arrive.
“We’re still aiming to reopen the bridge this year, but the closure may extend into early 2027,” city officials said in a Facebook post. “Despite this delay, we’re excited to move the project forward and appreciate everyone’s patience as we work towards restoring this historic bridge.”
In 1800, the country’s first was built in Philadelphia, 1500 once covered the state.
Only 217 are left in Pennsylvania, including Bogert’s.