Rapps Dam Road Bridge In Chesco Takes Another Beating, Is Closed

EAST PIKELAND TOWNSHIP, PA — Drivers in East Pikeland Township will have to detour around the Rapps Dam Road Covered Bridge — indefinitely — after the historic structure took another beating Saturday by a vehicle that didn't quite fit.

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation announced today the historic Rapps Dam Road Covered Bridge over French Creek in East Pikeland Township is closed because of damage by an oversized vehicle on Saturday morning.

Motorists are asked to follow the posted detour of Route 113 (Kimberton Road) and Route 23 (Nutt Road/Schuylkill Road) during the bridge closure.

PennDOT said Bridge engineers are examining the extent of the structural damage and will develop a plan to repair the covered bridge.

The Rapps Dam Road Covered Bridge over French Creek was originally built in 1866 and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. The bridge is 106 feet long and 14 feet wide. The bridge carried an average of 3,600 vehicles a day, according to PennDOT.

The July 24 incident is not the first time the bridge has been damaged by vehicles. PennDOT has rehabilitated the historic covered bridge three times since 2011. The most recent repair work finished in April 2018 following a vehicle crash in March 2018, PennDOT reported.

In fall 2015, PennDOT rehabilitated the historic covered bridge after it was severely damaged by a tractor-trailer in April 2014. The contractor restored the Burr Arch truss, installed new ceiling joists and braces, and replaced wooden cross members on the roof.

In fall 2011, PennDOT completed a rehabilitation project on the 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.

East Pikeland Township officials said the incident is being investigated by police.

Residents mused on a Township social media page about what can be done to stop trucks from damaging the bridge repeatedly. One noted there is a "no trucks" sign, while another reported seeing a truck driver recently get out of his vehicle, assess the bridge's clearance, then ram through it hitting beams along the way. Someone else suggested cameras be placed inside the bridge.

For a complete list of construction projects impacting state-owned highways in Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, and Philadelphia counties, go here.

Check this out, from Patch: How To Win Free Six Flags Great Adventure Season Passes.