Westtown Station Bridge

Information and Findings From Pennsylvania's Historic Bridge Inventory

Discussion of Bridge

The one span, 38'-long stone arch bridge built in 1911 is listed in the National Register. There has been no change in the bridge's status since the previous survey except some minor repointing to the wingwalls and parapets. The bridge has semi-coursed spandrel walls and voussoirs. It is an example of the traditional stone arch bridge technology that continued to be popular in some southeastern Pennsylvania counties up until about World War I.

Discussion of Surrounding Area

The bridge carries a 2 lane road over a stream in an area dominated by a mix of mid- to late- 20th century residential and commercial development. A closed convenience store is at the southeast quadrant of the bridge. The area does not appear to have historic district potential.

Bridge Considered Historic By Survey: Yes

Information and Findings From Pennsylvania's Stone Arch Bridge Management Plan

Discussion of Bridge

The bridge is not recommended for long-term preservation at this time. Rather, it is recommended that the bridge be placed in the Reserve Pool. The bridge ranks just outside of the top third of all stone arch bridges under study in this plan. However, it carries a relatively high volume of traffic and its condition is beginning to deteriorate due to scour and other problems. Its waterway is also inadequate, resulting in frequent flooding. Waterway adequacy is a difficult problem to fix in a stone arch bridge. Waterway adequacy is a function of the size of the arch barrel, the main structural element of the bridge. Enlarging the waterway opening generally would require the construction of a new bridge. The bridge has historic integrity; retaining its form and fabric would be relatively inexpensive, and the bridge is located in an area of low potential for development. The bridge is listed in the National Register of Historic Places and is part of a projected greenway; it is locally and regionally significant. The bridge has public support (one letter, four emails, and one meeting at which this bridge was a focus).

Ratings

The Thornbury, Street Road Bridge is owned by PennDOT and is ranked 44th.
Condition Code = 48 - moderate
Transportation Code = 45 - moderate
Waterway Adequacy Code = 40 - low
Cost to Rehabilitate or Replace Code = 56 - high
Anticipated Development Code = 58 - high
Recreational, Historical, and Cultural Values Code = 63 - very high
Public Input Code = 54 - moderate

Recommendation: Recommended for the Reserve Pool.