UPDATE: Route 252 Collapsed Drainage Pipe Causes Road Closure, Detours

NEWTOWN SQUARE–The Pennsylvania Department of Transporation (PennDOT) announced on Thursday afternoon that Rt. 252/Newtown Street Road between Troop Farm Road and Dudie Drive in has been closed in both directions due to a collapsed drainage pipe and pavement damage.

According to Eugene Blaum, assistant press secretary of PennDOT, the drainage pipe underneath Rt. 252 runs perpendicular to the roadway and had collpased on Wednesday, Sept. 7.

"The pipes sank and submerged into the earth in the southbound lane of Rt. 252," said Blaum. "The pavement dropped about a foot."

Blaum said workers had plated the area on Wednesday and opened up both lanes around 6 p.m. that evening. When crews checked on the area Thursday morning, Blaum said the pavement damage had expanded.

"We're very concerned of the safety of the plate," expressed Blau. "Hopefully we'll be done in a short period of time."

According to Blaum, PennDOT has already secured a contractor to fix the drainage pipe and pavement. Blaum said once the pipe comes in, workers will be able to remove the damage pipes and rebuild the area of Troop Farm Road and Dudie Drive.

For now, the area has been closed off to through traffic but local traffic will be able to access their home or business. A detour has been set up on West Chester Pike/Rt. 3 and Media Line Road, a quarter-mile south of the damaged area.

Residents will still be able to access the Shops at Springton Pointe off of Rt. 252, assured Blaum. Commuters traveling north on Rt. 252 will be able to access the shopping center directly, while commuters traveling south on Rt. 252 will have to follow the detour to Media Line Road to access the shopping center.

A timeframe has not yet been noted on the completion of the repair but Blaum said, "We're working feverishly to get those pipes in as quickly as possible." Once the pipes come in, Blaum said workers will begin work immediately and expects the are will be closed for a few days.

In addition to the Rt. 252 closure, PennDOT has also announced the following state roads in Delaware County have been closed due to flooding and storm damage. This information has been provided by PennDOT, as of 6 p.m. Thursday. Please drive with caution in these areas and make necessary alternative travel routes. 

• Creek Road between Bridgewater Road and Dutton Mill Road in Brookhaven Borough and Middletown Township is closed due to downed utility wires.

• Rt. 291 between Saville Avenue and Stewart Road in Eddystone Borough is closed due to flooding.

PennDOT reminds motorists they can log on to 511pa.com or call 511 from any phone to check traffic conditions on major highways before heading out.