The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation will reopen the Rapps Dam Road covered bridge on Monday afternoon (Nov. 21) following the completion of the $1.5 million project to rehabilitate the historic structure over French Creek in East Pikeland Township, Chester County.

PennDOT's contractor worked the past 10 months to restore the 106-foot long covered bridge by removing and replacing its deteriorated cedar shake roof, redwood siding and timber decking. Crews also replaced four steel beams supporting the bridge deck, and repaired the structure's stone abutments and wing walls.

The bridge, which was originally built in 1866 and reconstructed in 1978, was closed for construction on Jan. 17, 2011. During construction, Rapps Dam Road motorists have been detoured over Route 113 and Route 23. The bridge carried approximately 4,300 vehicles a day prior to its closure.

Bi-State Construction Company, Inc. of Easton, Pa. was the general contractor on the $1,527,257 project. Construction was financed with 100 percent state funds.