Veterans Memorial Bridge — Attraction in West Hempfield Township

On any road-trip, there is always a moment that stands out in the memory for those traveling, whether that be an experience, a scene, or a landmark, whether personal or cultural, that serves as a beacon of arriving somewhere other than home, or returning to somewhere familiar. For me and my family, the sight of the Veterans Memorial Bridge that sprawls across the Susquehanna River is that moment that demonstrates to us that we have truly left our home state and are venturing out into something new and thrilling.

Featured on the National Register of Historic Places, the Columbia-Wrightsville Bridge, officially known as the Veterans Memorial Bridge, has a long and storied past, ranging from its first construction in 1812, surviving destruction orders from General Robert E. Lee, and more recent modifications designed to carry locomotives across the river. Yet, in spite of the history that surrounds the bridge, there is an unmistakable beauty to the site that can be appreciated in complete independence of its origins. During the heat of the day with the sun reflecting on the water, the bright greens of the trees that shoulder the Susquehanna bursting with life, and the open roads before you, visitors to the area are caused to slow down, take a deep breath, and admire the view.

Guests to the area have several options to admire the bridge, including driving directly over it via Route 462, driving parallel to it by following Route 30 over Wrights Ferry Bridge, or taking the pedestrian path along the bridge from the parking lot at the American Legion Post on the western side or Rotary Park on the eastern side. For me, Route 30 over the Wrights Ferry Bridge offers the best view of the bridge itself, though there is something to be said for making use of the historic...

Beautiful views of the old and classic bridge spanning the Susquehanna river between Columbia and Wrightsville. It is a nice walk across the bridge or even better a nice ebike ride across the bridge. Scenes from the riverfront parks on both side are peaceful and serene.

“The Columbia-Wrightsville Bridge (also known as the Veterans Memorial Bridge or Route 462 Bridge) was opened to traffic in 1930 and connects York and Lancaster Counties along Route 462 over the Susquehanna River. The bridge contains 48 spans, is 1.26 miles long and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. In addition to vehicular traffic, the bridge is open to pedestrians and cyclists and serves as PA Bike Route S.” — - quoted from the...

I love this bridge. It poses itself majestically from every angle. Whether sunshine, cloud, rain, snow, or storm of any kind - it holds its posture and dignity firm. Built in the 30s, it’s bands the Susquehanna River at a place where it is over a mile wide. I walk the bridge daily, which is a 3 mile plus walk round-trip. There is always plenty to see from the bridge, each and every day. It has provided countless photos and paintings over the years -...