West Earl Township - November 20, 2023 – At 9:00 AM this morning, the West Earl Township Police Department responded to a traffic incident at the iconic Bitzer’s Mill Covered Bridge. Reports indicated that a tractor trailer had attempted to traverse the historic bridge, resulting in a tractor trailer becoming stuck on the bridge.

Upon the prompt arrival of West Earl Township Police Officers, it was revealed that a 2020 Freightliner tractor trailer, operated by Stacy Pater (50 Yoa) from Albany, Georgia, an operator for Woodgrain Transportation LLC out of Fruitland, Idaho, had attempted to cross the covered bridge with a height restriction of 10’6”. However, the tractor trailer stood at an elevated height of 13’4”, leading to significant damage to the bridge during the attempted crossing.

In a bid to navigate the predicament, the driver exacerbated the situation by causing further harm to the bridge during attempted maneuvers to reverse off the structure. With the cooperation of the Farmersville Fire Department, the truck was successfully extricated from the bridge.

Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) representatives promptly arrived at the scene to assess the extent of the damage. Subsequently, a decision was made to temporarily close the Bitzer’s Mill Covered Bridge to traffic pending a comprehensive inspection and necessary repairs.

Officer John Donnelly of the Manheim Township Police Department conducted a Motor Carrier Safety Assistance Program (MCSAP) inspection on the tractor trailer involved in the incident. The investigating officer for the West Earl Township Police is Officer Justin Cruce.

Charges against the driver, Stacy Pater, are currently pending as the investigation continues.

The West Earl Township Police Department urges the public to stay informed about the closure and follow official updates regarding the Bitzer’s Mill Covered Bridge. Further information will be provided as the situation develops.