Pine Grove Bridge crosses Octoraro Creek just below the dam that impounds the creek for the Octoraro recreation area. This is in the lower course of Octoraro Creek, where it is a dynamic stream. Shared between Chester and Lancaster Counties, Pine Grove is the longest bridge in the Lancaster County area.
The dam at this point was built to retain a reservior for the Octoraro Water Company in the first decade of the 20th century. The following view from the window at the midpoint of the bridge seems to be the old pump-house.
Pine Grove Bridge is distinctive for its double burr arch -- like the multiple-arch "camelback" bridges of old.
Looking carefully, we see some evidence of deterioration of the portals and the roadway.
To The Driving Tour