Covered Bridges

Waterford Covered Bridge

Niemeyer Rd, spanning LeBoeuf Creek

Built in 1875 by Charles and James Phelps, the Waterford Covered Bridge is a rare Town lattice truss structure spanning LeBoeuf Creek in Erie County, Pennsylvania—one of only 19 of its kind in the state and the sole example in the county.

Known locally as the “Old Kissing Bridge,” it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980 and has long been a cherished landmark, entwined with local lore including the tale of the Waterford Sheepman. After decades of wear and a closure in 2011 due to structural concerns, the bridge underwent an extensive $3.5 million restoration using both 19th-century craftsmanship and modern engineering. Reopened in November 2024, the bridge now stands as a testament to Erie’s enduring heritage, complete with its signature barn-red exterior, wooden pin latticework, and a newly added security system to protect it from vandalism and arson.

A red covered bridge over a rural road with trees on either side and a bridge weight limit sign on the right side.

Inside a wooden covered bridge showing the framework and sunlight at the exit

Red covered bridge with wooden framework, next to leafless trees under a clear blue sky.

Close-up of a wooden surface with a rectangular hole revealing the outdoors, showing trees and sky in the background.

Peace symbol drawn with chalk in a circle on wooden surface.

Wooden pathway under construction with wooden planks and support beams on dirt ground.

Inside a wooden covered bridge with wooden beams and planks, sunlight visible at the far end.

Shadow of two people walking through a wooden covered bridge on a dirt road.

A river flowing through a wooded area with leafless trees on both sides. The reflection of the sun and trees can be seen on the water's surface. A wooden deck or platform is visible on the left side of the image.