US Bridges

Blackhawk Road over Norfolk Southern RR

Poor

Beaver County, Pennsylvania · 1700 W of SR 0018 · Structure no. 000000000003611

Built
1903
122 years old, rebuilt 1945
Condition
Poor
inspected July 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
75 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
5,603
2023 count
Owner
Railroad
Railroad

About this bridge

Blackhawk Road over Norfolk Southern RR is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Blackhawk Road over Norfolk Southern RR in Beaver County, Pennsylvania. It was built in 1903 and reconstructed in 1945, so it is 122 years old, older than the Pennsylvania average of 54.8 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

It carries about 5,603 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 8,053 by 2032. The structure is 75 ft (22.9 m) long and 38 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 9.9 mi (16 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesBlackhawk Road
CrossesNorfolk Southern RR
Location1700 W of SR 0018
RouteState Highway 251
CountyBeaver County
StatePennsylvania
Coordinates40.778, -80.3308
Functional classUrban Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating54 US tons
Inventory rating32 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length75 ft (22.9 m)
Longest span70 ft (21.3 m)
Deck width38 ft (11.7 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,603 (2023)
Projected traffic8,053 by 2032
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesRailroad
Detour if closed9.9 mi (16 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerRailroad
Maintained byRailroad
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$124,000
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was Blackhawk Road over Norfolk Southern RR built?

It was built in 1903, making it 122 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1945.

What condition is Blackhawk Road over Norfolk Southern RR in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in July 2023.

How much traffic does Blackhawk Road over Norfolk Southern RR carry?

About 5,603 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is Blackhawk Road over Norfolk Southern RR?

The structure is 75 ft (22.9 m) long with a longest span of 70 ft (21.3 m) and a deck 38 ft wide.

Who owns Blackhawk Road over Norfolk Southern RR?

It is owned by the Railroad.