Sullivan's Bridge Takes Shape in Valley Forge

Construction crews have started adding concrete beams to the giant piers sticking out of the Schuylkill River, an unmistakable sign that the construction of Sullivan’s Bridge in Valley Forge National Historic Park is moving along nicely.

According to information from the park’s Facebook page, the 31-ton concrete beams were manufactured by Northeast Pre-stressed Products, based in Cressona, and delivered overnight using special tractor trailers.

The new construction replaces old Betzwood Bridge, which was demolished in 1995. Since then, walkers, runners, and bicyclists used a narrow wooden outrigger along the Route 422 bridge to cross the Schuylkill River.

According to the project organizers, Sullivan’s Bridge will connect the north and south sides of Valley Forge and improve access to a network of regional trail systems, including the Schuylkill River Trail, the future Schuylkill River West Trail, Valley Forge’s 26 miles of trail, the Chester Valley Trail and Patriot’s Path.

Sullivan’s Bridge is a joint project of the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, Upper Merion Transportation Authority, Upper Merion Township, West Norriton Township, Montgomery County, and Valley Forge National Historical Park. The bridge is scheduled to be completed in spring 2016.

“Sullivan’s Bridge” was the winning name from The Friends of Valley Forge Park’s bridge naming contest this past fall, chosen from among 252 entries. Major General John Sullivan, for whom the bridge is named, was the officer charged by General George Washington with building a bridge across the Schuylkill River during the 1777-78 Valley Forge winter encampment of the Continental Army.

A marker in his honor is located along the River Trail at the site of his bridge, approximately a quarter-mile upstream.

Updates to the Sullivan’s Bridge project will be posted on 422Improvements.com.

(Photos courtesy Valley Forger National Historic Park Facebook page)