Denton Hollow Road Bridge

Information and Findings From Pennsylvania's Historic Bridge Inventory

Discussion of Bridge

The one-span, 31'-long stone arch bridge, built in 1914, has voussoirs, fieldstone spandrel walls, and stone parapets. It is supported on stone abutments. The intrados is pargetted. At the south end of the bridge is an approximately 6'-long, reinforced concrete slab overflow span with pipe railings. (The slab span is contiguous to the arch, but not counted as part of the BMS record for purposes of no. of spans or span length.) The stone arch bridge is a short and undistinguished example of a bridge type that is common from the first two decades of the 20th century in Chester County. The county-built traditional stone arch bridges were favored by the county engineer, and at least 19 similar bridges from 1908 to 1919 have been identified. Stone arch bridges have been in use in Pennsylvania since the late 17th century, and over 350 examples have been identified statewide, with more than two thirds dating to before 1900. Early 20th century examples in Chester County are considered individually significant in the local context only when they are complete and large or particularly well detailed. This example is not historically or technologically distinguished within its population or by its setting and context.

Discussion of Surrounding Area

The bridge carries a 2 lane road over a stream in a rural setting with scattered residences. Northwest of the bridge is a new housing subdivision. At the northeast quadrant is a wooded lot with an unused grain silo. At the southwest quadrant is a vernacular stone residence (ca. 1800) on a wooded lot. To the southeast quadrant is an open field. The setting does not have the cohesiveness or integrity of resources to merit rural historic district potential.

Bridge Considered Historic By Survey: No

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

Discussion of Bridge

This bridge is a candidate for long-term preservation. It is ranked within the highest third of all stone arch bridges under study in this plan. It ranks high or very high in three categories. It has a high condition code and needs to have no specific action. It has historic integrity, a result of the bridge's historic fabric being largely intact; therefore, it would be relatively inexpensive to rehabilitate. The bridge contributes to a potential local historic district and is part of a greenway, resulting in a very high values code, although It has received little public support (one questionnaire). The transportation code ranks just below high, a result of low traffic volumes and reasonable sight distance at its approaches. The current low traffic volume should offset a moderate development code; however, the development will likely result in a modest increase in traffic in the future. The bridge's waterway is adequate.

Ratings

The Pocopson, Denton Hollow Road Bridge is owned by Chester County and is ranked 34th.
Condition Code = 59 - high
Transportation Code = 54 - moderate
Waterway Adequacy Code = 53 - moderate
Cost to Rehabilitate or Replace Code = 60 - very high
Anticipated Development Code = 48 - moderate
Recreational, Historical, and Cultural Values Code = 59 - high
Public Input Code = 42 - low

Recommendation: A strong candidate for long-term preservation.