Wednesday, April 6, 2011

Yes, it's open


After a 15-month reconstruction project, Copes Bridge re-opened for good on March 31. The "official" ribbon-cutting was held March 12, but then the barriers went back up so that last-minute work could be completed.
The 1807 stone arch bridge spans the east branch of the Brandywine Creek on Strasburg Road, between Marshallton and West Chester.
The  $3,431,686 project involved rehabilitating the bridge "by removing the existing roadway and fill on top of the structure; stabilizing the arches and placing concrete above them; reconstructing the stone walls and wing walls; and resurfacing the deck," PennDOT said.
It looks great. However, although the approaches to the bridge were widened, the bridge itself could not be, which means there are no shoulders at all along most of the bridge. I foresee some scraped passenger-side doors.
I loved the "hugs and kisses" symbols on the bottom of this jubilant sign, which I spotted on April 3 at Strasburg and Lucky Hill Roads.
Of course, now the Northbrook Bridge over the west branch of the Brandywine is set to close on April 18 for a two-month, state-funded project.

No comments:

Post a Comment