US Bridges

T-553 (co Br # 7) over Browns Creek

FairPosted for load

Bradford County, Pennsylvania · 0.7 M. NE of Luther Mills · Structure no. 000000000006577

Built
1853
172 years old, rebuilt 2003
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Truss - Thru
Wood or Timber
Length
94 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
50
2023 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

T-553 (co Br # 7) over Browns Creek is a wood or timber truss - thru carrying T-553 (co Br # 7) over Browns Creek in Bradford County, Pennsylvania. It was built in 1853 and reconstructed in 2003, so it is 172 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 50 vehicles a day, projected to reach 77 by 2045. The structure is 94 ft (28.7 m) long and 13 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesT-553 (co Br # 7)
CrossesBrowns Creek
Location0.7 M. NE of Luther Mills
RouteCity Street 0
CountyBradford County
StatePennsylvania
Coordinates41.78603, -76.55325
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Operating rating12 US tons
Inventory rating8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadH 20
Structure length94 ft (28.7 m)
Longest span89 ft (27.1 m)
Deck width13 ft (4 m)
Roadway width10 ft (3 m)
Vertical clearance over deck11 ft (3.2 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic50 (2023)
Projected traffic77 by 2045
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusListed on the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$720,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was T-553 (co Br # 7) over Browns Creek built?

It was built in 1853, making it 172 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2003.

What condition is T-553 (co Br # 7) over Browns 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 August 2023.

How much traffic does T-553 (co Br # 7) over Browns Creek carry?

About 50 vehicles per day (2023 count).

How long is T-553 (co Br # 7) over Browns Creek?

The structure is 94 ft (28.7 m) long with a longest span of 89 ft (27.1 m) and a deck 13 ft wide.

Who owns T-553 (co Br # 7) over Browns Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.