Knox Covered Bridge Damaged

 

July 6, 2015 Chester County, Pennsylvania - The Knox covered bridge, located in the Valley Forge National Historical Park, was struck and damaged by an unknow vehicle. There was significant damage to a stone wall as well to the siding of the bridge. The incident occured on the afternoon of July 6th. At this point no one involved in the hit and run accident has been identified. Valley Forge Park Rangers are investigating.

Officials say that repairs to the bridge will begin in September. The Knox bridge along with the Rapps Dam bridge and the Speakman bridge are currently scheduled for repairs. Due to this recent event the scheduled work on the Knox bridge has been moved up in time. The repair work is projected to be completed by the end of the year. Due to the damage the bridge is closed to traffic until repairs are completed. Officials are suggesting local resident to take a an alternate route.

The bridge, built in 1865, has gone through two previous rehabilitations in 1996 and 2006 and is still in use today. PennDOT estimates that the bridge carries an average of 2000 vehicles per day over the Valley Creek on Yellow Springs Road. The bridge is approximately 50 feet long and is constructed using a Burr Arch with steel stringer support.

The following web links cover the full story:

• Covered bridge struck in Chester Co.; driver sought.
• Covered Bridge Struck By Car Closed Until End Of Year.
• Update: Historic covered bridge damaged in hit-run to be repaired.
• Repairs to historic covered bridge in Valley Forge National Historical Park could begin in September.
• PennDOT plans to begin construction on Knox Covered Bridge by September.
• Historic Chesco covered bridge damaged by vehicle.
• Video Update: Surveying The Damage At Knox Bridge.