In May 1871, Lancaster County Commissioners visited this site near Jacob Harnish's mill for a proposed bridge where the public road from the Green Tree Hotel to Lancaster crossed the creek dividing Strasburg and West Lampeter Townships. Sealed proposals were received in July 1871 for construction of a new wooden covered bridge. James C. Carpenter was first awarded the contract to build Lime Valley Bridge but did not provide the required security bond, so the County Commissioners awarded the contract to Joseph Cramer on July 24, 1871 for $2,597. In September 1871, Elias McMellen notified them that the foundations for the bridge abutments were completed and ready for inspection. Bridge inspectors met here in December 1871 and found that the bridge was constructed of good material and put up in a good and workmanlike manner. The bridge was known as a twin to an earlier one built just west of here.