City of Allentown Announces Closure of Bogert’s Bridge for Rehabilitation

  • City of Allentown Announces Closure of Bogert’s Bridge for Rehabilitation
Parks & Recreation Mayor's Office
September 08, 2025

Today, the City of Allentown held a Restoration Kickoff Ceremony to celebrate the start of major rehabilitation work on the Historic Bogert’s Covered Bridge. Beginning September 15, Bogert’s Bridge and the adjacent parking lot will temporarily close through at least August 2026.

September 4, 2025 – Today, the City of Allentown held a Restoration Kickoff Ceremony to celebrate the start of major rehabilitation work on the Historic Bogert’s Covered Bridge. Beginning September 15, Bogert’s Bridge and the adjacent parking lot will temporarily close through at least August 2026.

Built in 1841, Bogert’s Bridge is one of the oldest covered bridges still in use in the United States. To preserve its legacy and ensure public safety, the City is investing in a comprehensive rehabilitation effort that will restore both its function and historic character. The project, led by contractor HPCI, will address long-term structural and aesthetic needs for the 184-year-old covered bridge. Planned improvements include:

  • Correcting the sag of the bridge;
  • Rehabilitating the siding;
  • Painting the structure;
  • Installing a new slate roof.

The $2.57 million project is funded through a combination of state, local, and community grants, including the PennDOT TASA Grant, R-ACP Grant, and Keystone Grant (PA Historical and Museum Commission), as well as funding from the Trexler Trust, Friends of the Parks, The Theodore Burr Covered Bridge Society of PA, Inc. and the National Society for the Preservation of Covered Bridges, Inc.

“Bogert’s Covered Bridge is an icon, but one that our city had neglected for far too long,” said Mayor Matt Tuerk. “By taking responsibility for these needed upgrades, my administration will ensure that Allentownians can connect with our history for generations to come.”

During construction, Bogert’s Bridge will be fully closed to all traffic, including pedestrians. A temporary pedestrian pathway will be installed around the construction zone to maintain access through the park. The credit union parking lot near the bridge will remain open for credit union patrons only.

The Parks and Recreation Department is working with local race organizers who traditionally use the bridge as part of their courses to ensure alternate routes are in place during this construction period.

The City will provide updates throughout construction to keep residents informed of progress and any changes to the project schedule.

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