Lenape Bridge

Information and Findings From Pennsylvania's Historic Bridge Inventory

Discussion of Bridge

The 7-span, 308'-long, stone arch bridge built in 1912 is listed in the National Register. There has been no significant change in the bridge's status since the previous survey. The curved wingwalls at the east end of the bridge have impact damage and show several generations of repointing and repairs. The bridge has voussoirs, fieldstone spandrel walls and parapets with metal pipe hand railings. The arch intrados appear to have been gunited prior to the previous survey. The bridge is a late example of the traditional stone arch bridge technology that continued to be used with great frequency in Chester and other southeastern Pennsylvania counties from the colonial period to about World War I.

Discussion of Surrounding Area

The bridge carries a 2 lane road over the Brandywine Creek flood plain in a rural setting near Brandywine Picnic Park, a local recreation area, picnic ground, and amusement park. The main bridge over the Brandywine River was placed in 1980 (115005201400561).

Bridge Considered Historic By Survey: Yes

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

Discussion of Bridge

This bridge is recommended for long-term preservation. It ranks in the upper third of all stone arch bridges under study in this plan. Most of the bridge is intact, meaning that the cost to rehabilitate the structure is potentially low. The bridge also lies in an area of low development potential, so it should continue to handle its traffic in the future. It has a high values code, as the bridge is listed in the National Register of Historic Places, stands in a park, is part of a greenway, and is on the Brandywine Scenic Byway, a state designated byway. The bridge has received public support (one questionnaire, one letter, and one meeting at which this bridge was the focus).

The bridge has a moderate condition code, a result of some loose stones, which could be fixed following the procedures of the Maintenance Manual. It has a moderate transportation code; the bridge is relatively narrow and has an intersection at one end, giving it a poor sight distance on its approach. It also carries a relatively high traffic volume on a narrow deck width. Its waterway is adequate, a result of it crossing only the floodplain (a more recent steel stringer bridge crosses Brandywine Creek).

Ratings

The Birmingham, Lenape Road Bridge is owned by PennDOT and is ranked 9th.
Condition Code = 48 - moderate
Transportation Code = 45 - moderate
Waterway Adequacy Code = 59 - high
Cost to Rehabilitate or Replace Code = 60 - very high
Anticipated Development Code = 58 - high
Recreational, Historical, and Cultural Values Code = 66 - very high
Public Input Code = 54 - moderate

Recommendation: Recommended for long-term preservation.