Commission approves glulam decking for Jericho Covered Bridge after review of updated guidance
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Summary
Baltimore County Public Works received approval to replace the Jericho Covered Bridge timber deck with structural glulam panels after the commission reviewed updated guidance and applicant-provided details showing the new decking would replicate the visual texture of the existing planks.
Baltimore County's Landmarks Preservation Commission voted to approve the replacement decking for the 1865 Jericho Covered Bridge with structural glulam panels, after the county Department of Public Works provided additional documentation and staff read updated design guidelines.
The 86-foot, single-span Burr Arch truss bridge that carries Franklinville Road across the Little Gunpowder Falls connects Baltimore and Harford counties and was added to the county's final landmarks list in 1978. The existing transverse timber decking (narrow 2" by 4" planks) has shifted and split in places, creating gaps and safety concerns for vehicles and pedestrians, the applicant said.
Public Works project manager Justin Burn told the commission the proposed engineered glulam deck panels would be custom-fabricated so their installed appearance replicates the existing vertically stacked plank texture while providing greater longevity and structural performance. "It's literally gonna be the exact same thing," Burn said, describing the material and assembly method.
Staff initially recommended denial because the earlier proposal appeared to replace the entire floor system with an engineered product that did not replicate the existing plank texture; after the applicant provided additional imagery and the commission staff cited updated county guidance allowing visually compatible substitute materials when in-kind replacement is not feasible, staff no longer opposed the glulam solution. Commissioners further noted the proposal preserves the bridge's structural system while addressing public-safety concerns.
Commissioner Chris Westin moved to approve the glulam decking as submitted with the drawings and supporting images; the motion passed on roll call, with the vote recorded as unanimous. The commission cited Baltimore County guidelines (porches and steps) and the National Park Service guidance for rehabilitation of historic covered bridges in its decision.
DPW said it has sought a long-term fix for recurring deck movement since the 2015 rehabilitation and expects the custom glulam panels to reduce maintenance and improve user safety.
