Chester County Bridge Shut Down Due To Structural Damage

The Green Valley Road bridge over the west branch of the Brandywine Creek in Newlin Township, Chester County, is closing this afternoon due to structural damage, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) said today.

The closure of the 79-year-old bridge is the result of an inspection performed yesterday that detected severe structural deterioration of the steel beams. The extent of the deterioration increased since the bridge’s previous inspection in November 2015.

The posted detour for motorists to follow during the bridge closure is Powell Road and Brandywine Creek Road. The Green Valley Road bridge carries an average of approximately 100 vehicles a day.

The Green Valley Road bridge will remain closed pending the design and construction of a rehabilitation or replacement project. PennDOT is examining the bridge to determine the future course of action.

The Green Valley Road bridge was built in 1937. It is 13 feet long and 18.5 feet wide. The bridge was posted with a weight limit of 19 tons and 28 tons for combination loads.

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