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County presents rehabilitation plan for historic West Seven Stars (Kennedy) covered bridge; construction targeted for spring 2025
Summary
Chester County engineers told East Vincent supervisors the Kennedy Bridge rehabilitation is in final design, will remove and replace deteriorated steel girders, raise wing walls about 3.5 ft, add approach guide rails and seek construction in spring 2025 with a 6–10 month work window; in‑stream work is restricted Feb. 15–June 1.
Chester County bridge staff and consultants presented a final‑design update Aug. 7 for County Bridge 197 (commonly called the West Seven Stars or Kennedy covered bridge) and said they expect to advertise and let the contract for construction in late 2024 with an anticipated construction period in the spring of 2025.
"We plan to be in construction in the spring of 2025," Eric Quinn, Chester County Bridge Program Manager, told the East Vincent Board of Supervisors. He said the county will replace concealed steel girders that currently carry traffic load while preserving the timber truss and the covered‑bridge appearance. The project will also add approach guide rails and raise stone wing walls roughly 3.5 feet to permit guardrail attachment.
Quinn said the bridge is listed on the National Register and the State Historic Preservation Office determined the proposed work will have no adverse effect. Engineers proposed new concealed micro‑pile substructure and concrete caps behind the existing stone masonry so the bridge will look largely unchanged at street level.
Chester County staff warned of environmental windows and traffic impacts. "French Creek is an exceptional value waterway," the county noted; instream construction is restricted from Feb. 15 to June 1, which narrows work sequencing. The consultant said they plan a posted detour routing and estimated a six‑to‑10 month construction duration, with the final schedule influenced by permitting, right‑of‑way acquisition and contractor sequencing.
The presentation reviewed historic background: the covered portion dates to the 19th century but much of the current structure was rebuilt after a 1988 fire; earlier steel girders from the 1970s are now corroded and the bridge carries a 10‑ton limit as a result.
Board members asked about longevity and maintenance; the county said replacement steel will be painted and the bridge elements are designed for a 50‑year structural life, while acknowledging periodic maintenance (for example, repainting every 10–15 years) will be required. The county also confirmed it owns the bridge and will retain maintenance responsibility after the work is complete.
Next steps: county staff will continue right‑of‑way acquisition, finalize bids and coordinate with the township on potential approach work and optional conduit for future traffic signals or lighting, as requested by the township.
"We wanted to present it to the township because we haven't been here in a few years," Quinn said. "We're very close to the end of final design."
