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Chester County Press

Bridge reconstruction on schedule

06/06/2013 04:45PM ● By Acl

A look at the Broad Run Road Bridge in Landenberg during renovations.

By Richard L. Gaw

Staff Writer

Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) spokesman Charles Metzger said that PennDOT is nearing the end of reconstruction of the Broad Run Road Bridge in London Britain Township. The project began in August 2012 and is expected to finish on schedule, with the bridge reopening in late June.

The reconstruction plan for the bridge, which was closed on Aug. 8, 2012, called for a full replacement of the 92-foot-long, two-span bridge, which was built in 1938 and had been 24 feet wide. The bridge will be widened to 33 feet, which will provide for two 10-foot driving lanes and two five-foot shoulders. PennDOT has also renovated the areas approaching the bridge, extending from the corner of Good Hope and Broad Run roads to the approach to the driveway of the Nivindel Farm.

Through coordination with London Britain Township, the bridge's look will feature a stamped imprint, which will give the exterior the appearance of natural stone, in keeping with the rustic look of the surrounding area.   

Because the bridge runs over the White Clay Creek Preserve waterway, PennDOT has coordinated efforts with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Park Service to protect the natural habitat. Because the area is populated by bog turtles, bridge construction will provide an easier transit for the turtles to cross to the other side beneath the bridge and not above it, allowing the turtles to avoid vehicles.

Throughout the duration of the bridge's reconstruction, drivers have been rerouted to Penn Green Road, which connects to Gap Newport Pike (Route 41), and to Newark Road.

Estimated at a cost of $1,458,989, the rebuilding of the Broad Run Road Bridge was conducted by Column Engineering in Glenmoore, Pa.