For a number of years, when hikers, walkers, cyclists, equestrians and cross-country skiers wanted to cross the Kinzua Creek, they had to find a shallow area of the waterway to continue on with their trek.
It was with that in mind that members of the Kinzua Valley Trail Club coordinated efforts for the construction of the $223,000 classic covered bridge and handicapped-accessible fishing dock over Kinzua Creek which connects with the trail. Project work also included the stabilization of the stream bank.
On Wednesday, trail club members, Westline residents and area officials met at the new bridge for the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
“This was a huge process and years in the making,” said Don Cummins, president of the trail club, who spearheaded efforts to have the bridge and trail built. While the project began in 2019, the actual building of the bridge was delayed due to the pandemic and was completed this summer by Bob Cummins Construction.
Carolyn Stroup, a trail club board member, said she was pleased to see the completed bridge.
“I’m an equestrian and I ride horses,” Stroup said. “So from Route 219 to Westline you can ride horses (on the trail.) That’s why this bridge is designed with a higher railing.”
She said in the past equestrians rode their horses downcreek to find a shallow area to cross over to the other side. This method of crossing was used by hikers and others, as well.
In addition to funds raised by members of the trail club over the years, financial support for the $223,000 bridge and adjoining trail was provided by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), the Allegheny National Forest (ANF) Service, Tri-County Carpenters Union, Ken Stroup, McKean County Act 13 funds, the Hannah Hamlin Memorial Fund and John McCoy.
Justin Woldt, natural resource specialist with the ANF, said much of the trail traverses through the national forest, therefore will be a welcomed addition.
“This has been a good partnership and provides recreational opportunities for foresters,” Woldt said. “From this point, the trail is continuous from here all the way to Red Bridge campground and the reservoir” in the ANF.
He and trail club officials said the ultimate goal is to have the trail continue on to Kinzua Bridge State Park, approximately 11 miles away.
“We’ll continue to partner and collaborate with the club to see if we can make that happen,” Woldt remarked.
Trail club board member Mike Angelo, who resides in Westline with his wife, Mary, said he, too, is very pleased with the bridge.
“It’s one of the nicest bridges I’ve ever seen and you can compare it to Lancaster” and its covered bridges, Angelo stated, noting he believes the improved trail will bring more visitors to the little community, as well.
Greg Davis, vice president of the trail club, said the bridge and trail now stand where the former Westline Road and bridge had been located.
“We’re actually following the old footprint of the old township road into Westline,” Davis said of the small community near the bridge that was called Olivedale in bygone days.
Stroup said the trail club has done work on the path that included the laying of crushed limestone and the installation of signs along the way to nearby Route 219, approximately one-half mile away. She said the trail in that area is a shared-use path in that it can be used by hikers, walkers, runners, equestrians and bicyclists.
Those who would like to become a trail club member or help with the continuation of the trail may send inquiries or donations to the Kinzua Valley Trail Club, 31 CCC Road, Westline, Pa. 16740, or visit the website wwwkinzuavalleytrail.org. To purchase a Moon Dance fundraiser ticket, slated to be held from 4 to 10 p.m. Sept. 28 in Westline, send emails to kinzuavalleytrail@gmail.com.
