Bartram Bridge Joint Preservation Board

Meetings 

• Meetings are held at 7:00 pm 
• 2026 Meeting Schedule:
  January 27, 2026 - Newtown
  March 24, 2026 - Willistown
  May 26, 2026- Bridge
  July 28, 2026 - Bridge
  September 22, 2026 - Newtown
  November 24, 2026- Willistown

Members

• Edward Johnston – Chair (Newtown Township, Bartram Board Member)
• Derek Osner  – Executive Vice Chair (Newtown Township, Bartram Board Member)
• Bart Van Valkenburgh – Recording Secretary (Willistown Township, Bartram Board Member)
• Carol Gerst (Willistown Township, Bartram Board Member) 

Responsibilities

The Bartram Bridge Joint Commission is governed by a five-member board, appointed for two-year terms. There are three members from Newtown Township and three members from Willistown Township. The Board sees to the preservation of the Bartram Bridge, the last remaining covered bridge in Delaware County.

For more information on the Bartram Bridge Joint Commission, consult the Willistown Township Code.

Bartram Bridge History

Built in 1860, the Bartram Covered Bridge spans the county line between Delaware and Chester Counties over Crum Creek near the intersection of Goshen and Boot Roads in Newtown Square. It is the last covered bridge remaining in Delaware County, a county which once had over 30 covered bridges. The bridge has unique slanted plank portals, the only bridge in Pennsylvania with this unusual design. After years of neglect, the bridge was restored in 1995, funded by a combination of donations, grants and fundraising. The bridge is now maintained by a commission of volunteers representing both Newtown and Willistown Townships.

Learn more about Bartram Bridge History.