US Bridges

Dawson RD over Bull Creek

Fair

Allegheny County, Pennsylvania · BF09 Bull Creek No. 9 · Structure no. 000000000002373

Built
1894
131 years old, rebuilt 2013
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Box Beam or Girders - Multiple
Prestressed Concrete
Length
45 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
261
2010 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Dawson RD over Bull Creek is a prestressed concrete box beam or girders - multiple carrying Dawson RD over Bull Creek in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania. It was built in 1894 and reconstructed in 2013, so it is 131 years old, older than the Pennsylvania average of 54.8 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in fair condition with a lowest component rating of 6 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

It carries about 261 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 343 by 2030. The structure is 45 ft (13.7 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.7 mi (14 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesDawson RD
CrossesBull Creek
LocationBF09 Bull Creek No. 9
RouteCity Street 0
CountyAllegheny County
StatePennsylvania
Coordinates40.66277, -79.81781
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Superstructure9 ExcellentNo problems noted.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourCountermeasures installed to correct a previously existing problem
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating58.5 US tons
Inventory rating36.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeBox Beam or Girders - Multiple
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans1
Design loadHL 93
Structure length45 ft (13.7 m)
Longest span44 ft (13.4 m)
Deck width26 ft (7.8 m)
Roadway width23 ft (6.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic261 (2010)
Projected traffic343 by 2030
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.7 mi (14 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$97,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Dawson RD over Bull Creek built?

It was built in 1894, making it 131 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2013.

What condition is Dawson RD over Bull Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in fair condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound. The last reported inspection was in October 2024.

How much traffic does Dawson RD over Bull Creek carry?

About 261 vehicles per day (2010 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is Dawson RD over Bull Creek?

The structure is 45 ft (13.7 m) long with a longest span of 44 ft (13.4 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns Dawson RD over Bull Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.