The 1902 Barronvale Covered Bridge, also known as Barron's Mill Bridge, is a historic covered bridge at Middlecreek Township, in Somerset County, Pennsylvania, crossing Laurel Hill Creek. At 162 feet 3 inches (49.45 m), this Burr Arch Truss bridge is the longest remaining covered bridge in Somerset County. It is 13 feet 10 inches (4.22 m) wide. Although its exact construction date is debated, the bridge’s distinctive wooden arches were added during repairs in 1907. Currently open to foot traffic only.

This historic bridge was the tenth constructed in Somerset County. Mr. Peter Kooser petitioned the county commissioners in 1828 for the bridge to be built for patrons of his gristmill. The mill was originally built by John Kooser in 1806.

On Tuesday, July 14, 1829, The Somerset Herald published this notice. "The commissioners give notice that the contract for building a bridge at Koosers Mill in Milford Township (this area is now Middlecreek Township) will be sold on the 8th of August." Cassimer Cramer obtained the contract and completed the project in 1830 for $300. The bridge was one of 13 similar bridges built in Somerset County.

In 1845, the bridge was repaired and strengthened with the installation of the heavy burr string type arches, designed and constructed by the noted bridge builder Theodore Burr. The cost to the county was $750.

In 1907, the present stone supports were built. They were quarried nearby and were dressed and installed by a group of Italian craftsmen for $773.85. Some work was done on the wooden structure at this time as well.

In the early 1930s, the bridge was given a new cedar shingle roof that was installed by Wesley Henry and Hubert Whipkey on the downstream side and James Henry, Harry Whipkey, and Lloyd Schrock on the upstream side. That roof remained until 1986, when the present metal roof was installed to protect and preserve the bridge.

Located at:  N39 57.164   W79 16.226       -       WGCB #38-56-02

Photographed in June of 2025

Photos by Millard Farmer