The mile-long Veterans Memorial Bridge has spanned the Susquehanna River and connected the towns of Columbia and Wrightsville since 1930. Part of the historic transcontinental Lincoln Highway, it is believed to be the longest, multiple-arched, concrete span in the world. The bridge is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark. It carries Pennsylvania Route 462 and BicyclePA Route S.
[The photograph above shows a parade of vintage cars traveling the Lincoln Highway after the 2014 rehab of the bridge’s historic lighting.]
In the 1970s, the state considered closing the bridge permanently due to the recently constructed Wright’s Ferry Bridge nearby, but local residents objected. In the mid-1970s, it was given a major overhaul instead, and was closed only temporarily. A few years later, the bridge was once again closed briefly so that a weather-resistant coating could be applied to the roadway.
Historic Lighting Project
Over the bridge’s 80-year history, original features were removed, including toll booths and light fixtures. By 2005, local partners launched the Veterans Memorial Bridge Lighting Project to restore and preserve the historic authenticity of the bridge. Since the bridge traverses three municipalities, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation
(PennDOT) requested the Boroughs of Columbia and Wrightsville and West Hempfield Township to enter into an agreement to establish responsibilities for the design, construction and maintenance of the new lighting system.
A foundry in Phoenixville produced lanterns that approximated the appearance of the old fixtures, and the two columns that once stood at each bridge entrance were restored to their original appearance with two hanging fixtures. A community ribbon cutting celebration was held by Rivertowns PA USA that included a parade of 1930s-era cars (see image above).
The bridge dramatically enhances the gateways to both Lancaster and York Counties for those travelling across the river
on the historic Lincoln Highway. This community-led initiative, successfully sustained over more than a decade, has restored the historic character and enhanced the appearance and safety of one of Pennsylvania’s most significant transportation icons. The project received a Pennsylvania Historic Preservation Award in 2015.
PennDOT Repairs in 2024
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) proposed a comprehensive rehabilitation project for the Columbia-Wrightsville Bridge. Studies began in 2016.
The project has an estimated $54 million cost and construction was projected to begin in the winter of 2022–2023. In June 2023, an inspection of the bridge revealed cracks in the floor beams and columns that support the deck. The discovery resulted in a weight restriction of 10 short tons (9.1 tonnes) being applied, except for emergency vehicles that need to cross to prevent accelerating the deterioration. Interim repairs are planned and, with an expected need for redesign, the already-scheduled bridge rehabilitation is being pushed back to 2025.
Click here for the official PennDOT District project page for the Wrightsville-Columbia Bridge.
The scope of work for the project included:
- Addressing structural deficiencies on the bridge, which naturally occur over time
- Improving connections for cyclists and pedestrians accessing Columbia Borough’s Northwest River Trail and River Park by adding wayfinding signs and pavement markings
- Improving connections for cyclists and pedestrians accessing Wrightsville Borough’s Mason-Dixon Trail and Riverfront Park by adding wayfinding signs, pavement markings and sidewalk improvements
- Improving the Wrightsville Borough five-point intersection of Routes 462 and 624 (Hellam Street) with North and South 2nd Streets by constructing a roundabout
- Adding a traffic-calming central median at the eastern end of the bridge on Route 462 at the North 2nd Street intersection
- Providing lighting improvements above the bridge deck to enhance traveler safety during the annual mayfly season
As a result of the significant change in the condition of the bridge, PennDOT has revised the project scope to include more extensive rehabilitation. The major bridge rehabilitation is delayed until PennDOT and FHWA complete additional engineering and environmental evaluation studies for the long-term rehabilitation of the bridge. An approximate 3-year bridge closure to vehicles, bicycles and pedestrians is anticipated within the middle timeframe of an overall 5- year construction project. Vehicles will use US 30 as the primary detour while bikes and pedestrian will be accommodated through transit services.
Work is anticipated to take place between the 2027 and 2031 construction seasons subject to all approvals, environmental clearances, and funding availability.
Click here to view the project page on Project PATH.
The Section 106 Consulting Parties of record number more than 30 and include individuals and entities such as: Susquehanna National Heritage Area; the Borough of Columbia; the Columbia Historic Preservation Society; Historic Wrightsville; Lancaster County Conservancy; Lancaster County Planning Commission; Rivertownes; and Wrightsville Borough.
Get Involved: Project PATH
Between 2008-2012, Preservation Pennsylvania was contracted by PennDOT to assist with the development and launch of ProjectPATH, with the goal of encouraging and facilitating citizen awareness of and involvement in PennDOT projects with the potential to impact historic resources.
ProjectPATH allows users to sign up for email notification about upcoming projects in their county. It provides users with a searchable database of all transportation projects programmed on the Statewide Transportation Improvement Plan (STIP).
Use the Project PATH map to search for your project in the search tools or zoom in on the map to your area of interest.