The Lenape Bridge, 2015 file photo, The Times.
POCOPSON — Just a couple of short years after the replacement of the Pocopson Rt. 926 Bridge over the Brandywine, PennDOT announced this week that the Lenape Bridge will close on August 19 for a nine-month rehab.
The seven-span bridge was dedicated in 1912, and while noted for its aesthetics, it is also known for its narrowness — and for frequent accidents damaging its stone walls at the intersection of Lenape Road and Creek Road in Birmingham.
The narrowness of the bridge, combined with a three-way stop on the Birmingham side often causes traffic delays during the morning rush, as traffic backs up as much as a mile up Lenape Road during peak traffic times.
While PennDOT notes the repairs are for safety issues, it did not specify whether the bridge will be widened and/or access to the bridge improved on the Birmingham side, the stone masonry look will be maintained.
The bridge is expected to re-open in May 2020.
Meanwhile, the bridge closure may create new traffic headaches with traffic detoured over Pocopson Road, Route 926 (Street Road) and Birmingham Road for the duration.
As construction progresses, Creek Road will also close for approximately seven months later this year, between Route 926 (Street Road) and Route 52 (Lenape Road). During the closure, Creek Road motorists will be detoured over Route 926 (Street Road), Birmingham Road and Route 52 (Lenape Road). Local access will be maintained up to the work zone for both closures. Drivers are advised to allow extra time when traveling near the work areas and all work is weather dependent.
The bridge is expected to re-open in May 2020.
