Wyebrook Bridge

Information and Findings From Pennsylvania's Historic Bridge Inventory

Discussion of Bridge

The 3-span, 63'-long, stone arch bridge, built in 1888, has dressed voussoirs and fieldstone spandrel walls and parapets with stone coping. U-shaped wingwalls with parapets enclose the approaches. In 1995, the spandrel walls of the two end spans collapsed. The arch rings were repaired and the spandrel walls rebuilt with a concrete retaining wall inside of the spandrel walls for strengthening. The repair and repointing were sensitive to the historic appearance and have not adversely impacted the bridge's integrity of original design. The bridge is a complete, handsome, multiple span example of the traditional stone arch bridge type. It is one of only three identified 19th-century examples surviving in Chester County (the other two were built in 1804 and 1807). It documents an important bridge type that was favored throughout the 19th century wherever builders desired a permanent bridge.

Discussion of Surrounding Area

The bridge carries a 2 lane road over a stream in a rural setting of forested lots and open fields. No buildings are adjacent to the bridge. A note in the county inspection file states the bridge adjoins the Isabella Furnace historic site, but this information does not appear to be correct. The furnace ruins and manor house are located more than 1/2-mile to the north of the bridge. The furnace was listed in the National Register 9/6/91. The bridge is not adjacent to or within the boundaries of the listed furnace property. Henry Potts built the furnace in 1835. The furnace reached the zenith of its activity in the 1880s and closed in 1894. The wooded property adjacent to the bridge may at one time have been part of the larger iron furnace tract.

Bridge Considered Historic By Survey: Yes

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

Discussion of Bridge

This bridge is a strong candidate for long-term preservation. The bridge is one of the highest ranking of all stone arch bridges under study in this plan. It is rated as high or very high in all but one category. Its condition is excellent. Its transportation code is very high, a result of low traffic volume and good sight distance at the approaches. It stands in an area of low development potential, and should be able to carry its traffic well for some time. Its waterway adequacy is rated as high. The cost to rehabilitate is relatively low, as the bridge is largely intact. The bridge is individually eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places and stands in a park; it is locally and regionally important. The bridge has public support (one letter, three telephone calls, and one meeting at which this bridge was a focus).

Ratings

The West Nantmeal, Wyebrook Road Bridge is owned by Chester County and is ranked 5th.
Condition Code = 55 - high
Transportation Code = 59 - high
Waterway Adequacy Code = 59 - high
Cost to Rehabilitate or Replace Code = 55 - high
Anticipated Development Code = 58 - high
Recreational, Historical, and Cultural Values Code = 63 - very high
Public Input Code = 54 - moderate

Recommendation: A strong candidate for long-term preservation.