Wertz’s Red Bridge closed to pedestrian traffic for repairs

Wertz’s Red Covered Bridge and the Union Canal trail beneath the bridge are closed to pedestrian traffic during restoration to replace the bridge’s roof and repaint the wood siding. The bridge connects Spring Township to Bern Township, over the Tulpehocken Creek, and is a popular route to access the Union Canal Trail and the Berks County Heritage Center.

The Bridge was closed onFeb. 26 and will remain closed until the repair project is complete in mid-April. The section of the Union Canal Trail beneath the bridge will be closed to pedestrian traffic during the same period.

“We will finish the project before our population of little brown bats return to the bridge in April” said Chris Stress, deputy director of Berks County Parks.

Trail users and park visitors can get to the Berks County Heritage Center and the trail from 1102 Red Bridge Road, off Route 183 by the St. Joseph Medical Center. The trail may also be accessed at Gring’s Mill Park, Berks Leisure Area and Stonecliffe Park.

Wertz’s Red Covered Bridge has not had any significant work since the mid-1980s when the roof was replaced.