In 2024, a major weather event caused severe damage to the bridge located on Mortonville Road near Saw Mill Road. The bridge partially collapsed after fast-moving floodwaters eroded the northeast corner of the east stone abutment—causing the parapet to collapse—and washed out a large section of the west stone abutment near the southwest corner. The structural steel rail beams were left exposed and are now in danger of imminent collapse. Following the incident, East Fallowfield Township’s structural engineer conducted an evaluation and determined that the bridge is beyond repair and requires a full replacement. For public safety, the bridge remains closed to all vehicular and pedestrian traffic.
Impact on Residents and Emergency Response
The closure of Mortonville Road Bridge has had a significant impact on residents and emergency services. Emergency responders must now take a lengthy detour to access homes on Martingale Circle, Saw Mill Road, Mortonville Road, and the lower portions of Misty Patch Road and South Caln Road. In an emergency situation, this added delay—up to five minutes—could mean the difference between life and death.
Funding and Grant Efforts
The estimated construction cost for the bridge replacement project exceeds $750,000. To help offset costs, the Township successfully secured $300,000 from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Multimodal Transportation Fund and was also awarded a $475,000 grant through the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Local Share Account (LSA) Grant Program. ). The Township also received a $200,000 grant from the Chester County Conservation District toward the bridge and stream realignment project
Engineering and Design Progress
In 2025, the Board of Supervisors approved several critical steps toward the bridge replacement project, including:
-
Surveying: $10,500
-
Environmental Assessments and DEP Permitting: $49,000
The environmental work included a hydrologic and hydraulic (H&H) study, wetlands investigation, endangered species review, and preparation of the required General Permit application for the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). These tasks were completed in the spring of 2025.
At its October 28, 2025 meeting, the Board of Supervisors approved a contract with the Township Engineer, Pennoni Associates, to begin the engineering and design phase of the project. This next stage will include evaluating potential realignment of the stream that runs beneath the bridge to help reduce the risk of future erosion and collapse.
A Commitment to Infrastructure and Safety
East Fallowfield Township remains committed to rebuilding the Mortonville Road Bridge as quickly and responsibly as possible. The bridge replacement is a top infrastructure priority for the Township, as it is vital for public safety, emergency response, and daily connectivity for residents.
The Township will continue to provide updates as the project advances through design, permitting, and eventual construction.
