Less than a week after the June 5, 2009 ribbon cutting ceremony marking the completion of the restoration project unknown persons, probably juveniles, set fire to an article of clothing on the bridge which slightly damaged some of the road bed timbers.  Several days later the same individuals are thought by the State Police to have returned to spray green paint on sections of the interior siding, one arch, around both windows near the bridge’s center, and on the floor.  A report was filed with the State Police who immediately launched an investigation.   

Arson is the number one cause of covered bridge destruction in the United States.  Experts recommend fire suspression systems and surveillance cameras to protect bridges against arsonists.  Graffiti is vandalism and is another problem that plagues covered bridges; authorities recommend that it be removed as soon as possible to discourage others.

The costs of the restoration totalled $1.4 M.  The cost of replacing the bridge if it was lost to fire would be as much if not more.  The Society's board took immediate steps to make the bridge more secure by contracting with GME Communications, Milroy, PA to install an eight camera surveillance system at a cost of about $14,000.  The graffiti was removed on August 15th, 2009 by Caretaker LLC, a Mifflin County company and fire retardant was reapplied by J. C. Erlich Co. Inc.  Cost to remove the graffiti and reapply fire retardant to the affected wooden timbers was approximatley $2600.

Signs listing the regulations for the bridge’s use have been installed.  They state that the bridge is open daily and closed sunset to sunrise; neither smoking nor fishing is allowed on the bridge; no vehicular traffic is allowed on the bridge or the pedistrian path and that anyone who trespasses on, defaces, or damages the bridge will be prosecuted.  The surveillance cameras record all activity on the bridge 24 hours a day; the Society considers graffiti as an act of vandalism and will prosecute those individuals who vandalize the bridge in this manner.        

 Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for the Bridge, June 5, 2009

Graffiti removal on August 15th, 2009 by Caretaker LLC