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.

About Rich Schwartzman
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.
Comments