Aston and Middletown are linked once again with the reopening July 6 of the Mt. Alverno Road Bridge, writes Kenny Cooper for WHYY.

The bridge opening also re-establishes access to the Chester Creek Trail.

Delaware County Councilmembers, representatives of Aston and Middletown, and PennDOT officials were on hand for a ribbon-cutting ceremony Thursday.

“Safe and reliable infrastructure is critical,” county Councilmember Christine Reuther said. “Delaware County Council remains committed to investing in our bridge infrastructure.”

The county bridge was down for about a year and a half because of a deteriorating superstructure.

The bridge’s safety rating was “substandard”, requiring a complete replacement.

The new bridge carrying part of Mt. Alverno Road over Chester Creek has newer safety standards.

“This bridge will improve the safety and capacity of transportation that work in Middletown and the surrounding area, as well as provide a safe structure to accommodate first responder vehicles in Middletown Township,” said John McMullan, Middletown Township manager.

Delaware County has 57 state and local bridges in poor condition, about 12 percent of the county’s bridges, nearly two times higher than the national average.

The county owns 43 bridges, with nine considered in poor condition.

Read more about the reopening of the Mt. Alverno Road bridge at WHYY.