US Bridges

Merchant ST over Big Sewickley Creek

Fair

Beaver County, Pennsylvania · 402001 Ambr-Leetsdaleline · Structure no. 000000000003893

Built
1827
198 years old, rebuilt 2004
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Arch - Deck
Masonry
Length
37 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
2,000
2019 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Merchant ST over Big Sewickley Creek is a masonry arch - deck carrying Merchant ST over Big Sewickley Creek in Beaver County, Pennsylvania. It was built in 1827 and reconstructed in 2004, so it is 198 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 5 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 2,000 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,100 by 2041. The structure is 37 ft (11.3 m) long and 50 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

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CarriesMerchant ST
CrossesBig Sewickley Creek
Location402001 Ambr-Leetsdaleline
RouteCity Street 0
CountyBeaver County
StatePennsylvania
Coordinates40.57964, -80.22077
Functional classUrban 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
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating54 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeArch - Deck
MaterialMasonry
DeckNot applicable
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length37 ft (11.3 m)
Longest span37 ft (11.3 m)
Deck width50 ft (15.2 m)
Roadway width36 ft (11 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,000 (2019)
Projected traffic2,100 by 2041
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Maintained byCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Merchant ST over Big Sewickley Creek built?

It was built in 1827, making it 198 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2004.

What condition is Merchant ST over Big Sewickley 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 March 2023.

How much traffic does Merchant ST over Big Sewickley Creek carry?

About 2,000 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Merchant ST over Big Sewickley Creek?

The structure is 37 ft (11.3 m) long with a longest span of 37 ft (11.3 m) and a deck 50 ft wide.

Who owns Merchant ST over Big Sewickley Creek?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.