Coatesville Bridge

Information and Findings From Pennsylvania's Historic Bridge Inventory

Discussion of Bridge

The 3 span bridge consists of two, 50'-long stone arch spans and a 12'-long encased steel stringer approach span. The bridge has stone parapets topped by pipe hand railings. The elliptical arches have concrete liners. The bridge built in 1914 appears to be a well preserved example of its type with no major alterations. The bridge is on the boundary of the Coatesville Historic District, but was not rated in the district nomination. The bridge dates from the district's period of significance (1750-1937) and is evaluated a contributing resource. The bridge is also historically significant for its early association with the Lincoln Highway.

Discussion of Surrounding Area

The bridge carries a 3 lane road and 2 sidewalks over the West Branch of Brandywine Creek in Coatesville. The creek forms the western boundary of the Coatesville Historic District that encompasses the town's mid-18th to early-20th century commercial and residential areas. The Lukens Steel Company plant is on the west bank of the creek. The bridge is on the route of Old US 30, the Lincoln Highway. The Lincoln Highway was a historically significant, ealry-20th century automobile tourist trail, that was established as a cross-state route by the early 1910s.

Bridge Considered Historic By Survey: Yes