Covered Bridge In Valley Forge Closed After Hit And Run

The historic covered Knox Bridge in Valley Forge National Historical Park will be closed until further notice, effecting traffic into Phoenixville, according to the Borough’s Office of Emergency Management.

The bridge sustained heavy damage after an apparent hit and run on Monday afternoon.

The bridge over Valley Creek, which is located at Route 252 and Yellow Springs Road, had a 20-foot-long section of its timber siding damaged, along with a stone masonry wing wall adjacent to the bridge.

“We have no idea how long it could take to fix right now,” said Gene Blaum, a spokesman for the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation.

Route 252, Swedesford Road, and North Valley Road are all viable detour options for motorists who used the bridge.

Authorities are still searching for a “large” vehicle which they believe caused the damage before fleeing.

According to PACoveredBridges.com:

This structure was built by Robert Russell utilizing the Burr Arch, the length of the bridge is 65 feet and the width is 13 feet, it crosses Valley Creek and is in good condition opened to vehicle traffic. This bridge is named after Philander C. Knox (1855-1921) United States Senator from Pennsylvania and General Henry Knox (1750-1806) an officer quartered at Valley Forge during the winter of 1777-1778. This bridge is Federally owned.

Originally built in 1865, the Knox Bridge has rehabilitated twice, in 1996 and again in 2006.