The bridge also provides safe passage for hikers, bikers, and pedestrians using the Appalachian Trail and BicyclePA Route J.

[3] The bridge's name is derived from John Clark, a Scottish settler who in 1788 operated a ferry across the river and the next year established a tavern on the West Shore to cater to riders.

It became such a large draw to travelers that the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania decided by the mid 1820's that a permanent bridge should be established.

[4] An earliest covered bridge was at this site, constructed between 1827-1828 and was a part of the Main Line Pennsylvania Canal built in 1828.

[8] In 2022, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation announced an improvement project for the bridge, including rehabilitation of the concrete deck, addition of a concrete barrier (replacing the current center turning lane in place), and safety improvements to the adjacent interchange with U.S. Route 11 and U.S. Route 15.