Bridge in Tinicum Township Currently Closed, Proposal to Rebuild Could Strip Away Historic Elements
Senator Casey Asks Federal Agencies to Work With State, Tinicum Residents On Plan for Bridge
Washington DC- With residents concerned about a proposal that would potentially strip historic aspects from the Headquarters Road Bridge, U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) called on the appropriate federal agencies to work with state and local officials and the community in an effort to rebuild the bridge while preserving its historic qualities.
“Headquarters Road bridge has a long history in Tinicum Township and it’s important that history be preserved,” said Senator Casey. “By working with the appropriate state agencies, local officials and the community, Headquarters Road bridge can be rehabilitated in a way that maintains and preserves this historic structure and the surrounding Ridge Valley Rural Historic District.”
The Headquarters Road bridge, also known as the Burnt Mill Bridge, is a 200 year old bridge that spans Tinicum Creek and is located in the heart of the Ridge Valley Rural Historic District, which is comprised of 575 acres of land and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1992. In Tinicum Township, there are 44 buildings and 15 structures on the seven sites that make up the historic district. Tinicum Creek is designated as a Federal Wild and Scenic River and Exceptional Value Waterway.
The full text of Senator Casey’s letter can be found below:
Mr. Jonathan Jarvis
Director
National Park Service
U.S. Department of the Interior
1849 C Street, NW
Washington, DC 20240
Mr. Victor M. Mendez
Administrator
Federal Highway Administration
U.S. Department of Transportation
1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
Washington, DC 20590
Dear Director Jarvis and Mr. Mendez:
It is my understanding that the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) is currently evaluating the rehabilitation of the historic Headquarters Road bridge in Tinicum Township, Bucks County. The purpose of this letter is to urge the National Park Service and the Federal Highway Administration to work with the appropriate stakeholders and members of the community to ensure that all of the applicable National Register program parameters are taken into consideration as the rehabilitation of this bridge moves forward.
The Headquarters Road bridge, also known as the Burnt Mill Bridge, is a 200 year old bridge that spans Tinicum Creek. The bridge, which is owned by PennDOT and currently closed, is located in the heart of the Ridge Valley Rural Historic District, which is comprised of 575 acres of land and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1992. I am informed that there are 44 building and 15 structures on the seven sites, all in Tinicum Township, that make up the historic district. I have been further informed that Tinicum Creek is designated a Federal Wild and Scenic River and Exceptional Value Waterway.
I understand that Tinicum Township and members of the community have concerns about a proposal to replace and expand this bridge. I have been advised that the community's preferred method of rehabilitation for this bridge is one that maintains its historical integrity, but also utilizes a modern redecking that would safely and efficiently return this road to service. As it appears, this method of rehabilitation has the potential to conserve the unique historic and environmental qualities of the bridge, and the Historic District in which the bridge is located, and meet the transportation needs of the community.
Thank you in advance for the consideration of my views. Consistent with all applicable laws, rules and regulations, I respectfully request that you keep me informed of the status of this project. Finally, if you have any questions, comments or concerns, please feel free to contact my office.
Sincerely,
Robert P. Casey, Jr.
United States Senator
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