April 2, 2015

Last May, area residents learned that the Route 926 Bridge project was to have begun this year. Now it will not happen before next year.

That was the word from Vito Genoa, a consulting engineer for PennDOT.

Work was to have begun after PennDOT finished the Route 52 roundabout project, but Genoa, an engineer with Gannet Fleming Inc., told members of the Chadds Ford Business Association that environmental evaluations required by the federal government, property acquisitions, and working with the utility companies has delayed the start of project. Work could start early in 2016, but more likely in the spring, he said.

Genoa, who worked for PennDOT for 33 years before going to Gannett Fleming 10 years ago, said he’s not sure when the bridge was built, but “its time has come” for replacement.

The basics of the plan presented last year remain. The bridge, which spans Brandywine Creek between Pocopson and Birmingham townships, and its approaches on Route 926 will be raised — anywhere from 6 to10 feet, according to Genoa — shoulders will be added, new culverts installed over Radley Run, and Creek Road will be relocated a little to the west, closer to the creek.

While the starting date has been postponed, the duration of the project has been speeded up. Instead of taking 18 months as originally planned, the timetable now calls for the job to be done in nine to 10 months.

Picking up the pace of the construction will be accomplished by having the contractor — not yet determined — put in more hours during the day and possibly add weekend work.

Genoa said that instead of having crews work from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., they could be contracted to work from sunup to sunset.

Once work begins, traffic would be detoured to and from the Route 52 (or Lenape) Bridge or down to Route 1.

The estimated cost is still $12 million to $15 million, Genoa said.

More uncertain is when any action might be taken on the final leg of the loop road project designed to reduce turning traffic through the intersections of Routes 1 and 202.

The two legs of the loop, State Farm Drive and Brandywine Drive, have been open for years, and the Wegmans project includes constructing a third leg.

Genoa noted that all three legs so far have been, or are being, funded by developers, not taxpayers. The same is planned for the fourth leg.

The Henderson Group, which owns the Chadds Ford Business Campus, has offered to build the final leg that would connect the two major routes via Hillman Road, as part of its plans to build a hotel and a restaurant.

However, there’s been no discussion on the matter since an informational meeting at the township building last year.

The Business Association’s next meeting is scheduled for noon, on Thursday, April 7, at Antica restaurant in Chadds Ford Township.

Victory Brewing Company, which is nearing completion of a brewpub in Kennett Square, was among three Pennsylvania brewers ranked among the “Top 50 Craft Brewing Companies” by the Brewers Association, the national trade association representing small and independent American craft breweries, a Victory press release said.

The ranking further supports Pennsylvania’s status as a top craft beer destination where brewers are just as serious and passionate about their suds as their fans. The top 50 list also included Hersey-based Tröegs and D.G. Yuengling & Sons Inc. in Pennsylvania.

With Pennsylvania’s 108 craft breweries and the second highest volume state for brewing, it’s no surprise that Philadelphia was chosen to host the National 2016 Craft Brewers Conference and has been cited as one of America’s “Best Beer Cities” by GQ, Wine Enthusiast, Esquire and Huffington Post, the release said.

“We are fortunate to be part of this region rife with vivid and important historical milestones in our industry,” Bill Covaleski, president and brew master of Victory Brewing Company, said in the release. “Our ranking is a source of pride for us and the entire region. Pennsylvania’s deep brewing roots grow stronger with each craft brewery that opens here and each barrel we brew here at Victory.”

Founded by childhood friends, Covaleski and Ron Barchet, Victory officially opened its doors in February 1996 in Downingtown. In addition to its original brewery and brewpub, Victory recently opened a second state-of-the-art brewery in Parkesburg to expand production capabilities and serve fans of fully flavored beers in 35 states and 10 countries.

After some weather-related delays, Victory officials said they are hopeful that Victory at Magnolia in downtown Kennett Square, will open by the end of the month. To learn more about Victory Brewing Company, visit www.victorybeer.com.