Old Schuylkill Road Bridge

Information and Findings From Pennsylvania's Historic Bridge Inventory

Discussion of Bridge

The 2-span, 53'-long, stone arch bridge built in 1804 has dressed voussoirs and ashlar spandrel walls transitioning to fieldstone parapets capped with ashlar coping stones. The stone is a red sandstone. The bridge is supported on stone abutments and bullnosed pier. According to county records, the bridge was built in 1804 by James Brooke. It is an early and handsome example of the traditional stone arch highway bridge type. It is the oldest example in Chester County and one of the ten oldest identfied in the state. It among the earliest of those with ashlar voussoirs and spandrel walls. The historically and technologically significant bridge documents the earliest extant bridge type in the state and county, and the only bridge type available for permanent crossings prior to 1850.

Discussion of Surrounding Area

The bridge carries a 2 lane road over a stream in a rural setting with scattered 19th- to late- 20th-century residences. The setting does not 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 oldest of Chester County's bridges, this bridge is a strong candidate for long-term preservation. Although its condition code is low, its transportation code is high, a result of low traffic volumes and good sight distance at the approaches. Located in an area of low development potential, the bridge can be expected to carry its traffic for some time in the future. The bridge's waterway is adequate. Its cost to rehabilitate code is moderate; although the bridge's historic fabric is intact, it has been improperly repointed with Portland cement. The bridge is individually eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places and is part of a greenway; it is locally and regionally significant. The bridge has public support (one letter, one email, one telephone call, and one meeting at which this bridge was a focus). Overall, the bridge ranks in the upper third of the stone arch bridge population under study in this plan. Recommendation: A strong candidate for long-term preservation.

Ratings

The East Coventry, Schuylkill Road Bridge is owned by Chester County and is ranked 32nd.
Condition Code = 44 - low
Transportation Code = 59 - high
Waterway Adequacy Code = 53 - moderate
Cost to Rehabilitate or Replace Code = 51 - moderate
Anticipated Development Code = 58 - high
Recreational, Historical, and Cultural Values Code = 57 - high
Public Input Code = 54 - moderate

Recommendation: A strong candidate for long-term preservation.