Berks officials approve emergency repair of historic covered bridge

Jun. 6—Berks County officials want the historic covered bridge in Oley Township that was damaged when a car crashed into it last month reopened as soon as possible.

The commissioners adopted a resolution at a meeting Tuesday authorizing the county operations officer to execute an emergency permit application and contract documents necessary to conduct repairs required to reopen Greisemer's Covered Bridge to vehicle traffic at the earliest possible time at a cost not to exceed $250,000.

The bridge, which carries Spangsville Road over Manatawny Creek, has been closed since May 29 when a car crashed into and dislodged a stone abutment. The collision sent a section of the abutment into the creek and left the car teetering above the water.

Earl Township Fire Company personnel assisted Oley Township Fire Company crews in stabilizing the vehicle with a chain and hand-operated winch. With help from Oley EMS crews, they removed the male.

The bridge is owned and maintained by the county. Officials did not offer an estimate on how long it will take to repair the damage.

Berks County Chief Financial Officer Robert Patrizio told the commissioners at the meeting Tuesday that the bridge was not insured by the county at the time of the crash but that the driver of the vehicle responsible for damage is insured.

Patrizio said he feels confident the county will be able to recoup 100% of the cost to repair the bridge.

"It should turn out that this doesn't cost us anything," he said.