The Bowmansdale bridge was relocated in 1972 a few miles down the picturesque Yellow Breeches creek, separating York and Cumberland Counties in Pennsylvania, to sit on the campus of Messiah College.  The bridge is open to both vehicle and pedestrian traffic, and connects the main campus with the college's complex of athletic fields.

By spring of 2011, the bridge's siding and shingle roof had exceeded their service life.  FHTC was contracted to provide and install new poplar board-and-batten siding and a new roof of Western Red Cedar shingles, as well as performing a number of minor timber repairs, installing a new lightning suppression system, and upgraded interior lighting and applying a fire-retardant to the timbers, siding, and roof materials.

To reduce maintenance and improve the lifespan of our repairs, we chose to use a natural linseed-oil-based paint for the siding instead of modern synthetic latex paint.  This paint is a combination of natural purified and aged linseed oil carrying natural color pigments.  The oil soaks into and preserves the wood and binds the pigments so that the paint cannot peel.  With minor service, this paint should last many decades.