Historic covered bridge in Berks closed after car crashes into abutment

May 30—One of two covered bridges over the Manatawny Creek in Oley Township is closed after a car crashed into and dislodged a stone abutment late Monday, sending a section into the creek and leaving the car teetering above the embankment.

Crews were called just after 9 p.m. to Greisemer's Covered Bridge, which carries Spangsville Road on the end closest to the intersection with Manatawny Road.

The initial crews reported that a car with a male inside had crashed into the bridge and was partially over the stone abutment.

Earl Township Fire Company personnel assisted Oley Township Fire Company crews in stabilizing the vehicle with a chain and hand-operated winch.

With assistance from Oley EMS crews, they removed the male. Information on his condition wasn't immediately available.

The road span is barricaded and closed till further notice.

Crash information was not immediately available from Central Berks Regional police, who patrol Oley Township.

Oley Township officials said the bridge is owned and maintained by Berks County.

County officials said the bridge is closed to traffic for the foreseeable future and that signs have been posted. Engineers' first assessment of the bridge determined that additional shoring is not needed to protect it. Officials have yet to estimate the time and cost involved to repair the damage.