One section of Twin Bridge remains standing. Work on building the replacement is anticipated to continue into autumn of 2025.
Construction continues on the replacement of Twin Bridges over the Brandywine along S. Creek Road between Chadds Ford and Pennsbury Townships. PennDOT spokesman Brad Rudolf confirmed that the timetable for completing the project remains, and the road should reopen sometime in the autumn of 2025.
The 96-year-old span had been in various stages of disrepair over the years and had been patched and painted several times. It was considered unsightly but safe until 2008 when it was reclassified as structurally poor because the concrete was flaking off and there was exposed rebar and chloride ion contamination.
After years of discussion and planning, replacement was originally scheduled to begin in 2019, but more delays kicked that back until this year. The project was awarded to Haines & Kiddlehouse on Jan. 3 for $15,160,000, which was $500,000 below the estimate. Work began in April.
Detours remain in place. Motorists are still directed to use U.S. 1, Route 52, Center Meeting Road, and Delaware State Route 100 (Montchanin Road). Bicyclists traveling Bike Route L will be directed to use Bullock Road, Ring Road, Ridge Road, and Delaware State roadway Smiths Bridge Road.
The bridge was 482 feet long and 23 feet wide when it was rebuilt in 1927. It was called Twin Bridges because the original bridge was actually two covered bridges in a line connected by an open span.
Rich Schwartzman has been reporting on events in the greater Chadds Ford area since September 2001 when he became the founding editor of The Chadds Ford Post. In April 2009 he became managing editor of ChaddsFordLive. He is also an award-winning photographer.
Improv classes and shows return to Wilmington’s City Theater Co. on Sept. 12.
•Wilmington City Theater Company’s Fearless Improv is back with classes and performances beginning Thursday, Sept. 12 at Wilmington Brew Works. That’s an 18-plus show. On Saturday, Sept. 28 at the Delaware Contemporary, there will be an adult improv class at 4 p.m. and a show at 8 p.m. To register for an improv class, go here, and for show tickets, go here.
•The Unionville-Chadds Ford School District will hold a virtual information session and Q&A on the Middle School Feasibility Study next Tuesday, Sept. 3, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. via Zoom. Register here. The school board is seeking information on whether to build a new middle school and is scheduled to vote on the matter in February. According to Superintendent of Schools John Sanville, no decisions have yet been made.
Remembrance Day, Wednesday, Sept. 11.
•The Brandywine Battlefield Park Associates will host a Remembrance Day at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 11, at the Battlefield Park. This ceremony is a reverent acknowledgment of those souls who bravely fought and made the ultimate sacrifice in the pivotal Battle of the Brandywine on September 11, 1777.
•Paw Prints Forever Crematory will host a heartfelt National Pet Memorial Day event on Sunday, Sept. 8 from 1 to 3 p.m. PM at their Chadds Ford office at 232 Wilmington West Chester Pike. This special event is designed to honor and remember the pets who have brought immeasurable joy and love into our lives. There will be a blessing of the pets, a memorial reading, and a bubble release carrying messages of love and remembrance. Attendees will also be able an create personalized keepsakes in honor of their pets. For more information or to RSVP, please visit the website or contact Paw Prints Forever Crematory at pawprintsforevercrematory@gmail.com.
•The Chadds Ford Historical Society is again hosting a battle reenactment in honor of the Battle of Brandywine on Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 14 and 15. The Battle of Chadds Ford will be held at the Historical Society’s property at 1736 Creek Road in Chadds Ford. On Saturday, Sept. 14, the grounds will be open from 1o0 a.m. to 5 p.m., then 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Sept.15. Admission is $10 for adults, and $5 for youth 7-17. It’s free for CFHS members, and youth 6 and under. Parking is also free.
Gospel at The Grand on Sept. 28.
•Gospel is coming to The Grand next month. On Saturday, Sept. 28 at 6 p.m., The Grand presents AJ Collier & the Band of Believers featuring special guest Melvin Crispell III and Vincent Bohanan & SOV. Tickets are now on sale to the general public and can be purchased online at TheGrandWilmington.org or by calling 302-652-5577.
•It might be almost two months away, but The Great Pumpkin Carve is returning Oct. 17-Oct. 19. The Chadds Ford Historical Society’s three-day tradition includes carvers and carving teams doing their thing to 70 huge pumpkins on that first night, Thursday. During all three nights, visitors can enjoy a haunted trail, raffle prizes, and live music from Kenny Thompson & Friends. Food, local craft beer, and wine are available for purchase. Come out to enjoy a fun annual tradition. Hours are 4-9 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, then 3-9 p.m. on Saturday. The CFHS is at 1736 Creek Road in Chadds Ford Township.
