Sheeder Hall Covered Bridge Over French Creek Closed After Crash

WEST VINCENT TOWNSHIP, PA — Another historic Chester County bridge was damaged in an accident on Tuesday, leading to its closure.

The single-car crash occurred on Sheeder Hall Covered Bridge at around 4 p.m. yesterday, authorities said. The bridge, built in 1850, suffered significant structural damage, and has been shut down as the next steps are assessed.

The driver, a teenager from Spring City, was not seriously injured in the crash. Police said that it appears the driver has a medical condition which caused the accident, but did not elaborate further as the investigation is ongoing.

Officials with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation are examining the bridge to determine the full extent of the damage. They believe it could be several more days before their investigation is complete. Several of the bridge's support beams were destroyed in the crash.

Sheeder Hall Covered Bridge crosses French Creek on Hollow Road, near French Creek Road. The historic structure was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1973, according to the state's Historical and Museum Commission.

Several historic covered bridges in the area have suffered damage after similar crashes. Rapp's Dam Covered Bridge was damaged and shut down briefly back in March. Knox Bridge in Valley Forge has been repeatedly damaged as well, most recently in 2015.

Residents in the area should plan on alternative routes for "extended period of time," police said. A more concrete timeline, depending on the repairs required, should be made available in the coming days.

West Vincent Police were assisted by Ridge Fire Department, Kimberton Fire Department, West End Ambulance, East Vincent police, and Eagle Towing Services on the scene Tuesday.

Image via West Vincent Township Police Department