US Bridges

SR0038 over Thorn Creek

Fair

Butler County, Pennsylvania · North of Butler · Structure no. 000000000007810

Built
1947
78 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2022
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
31 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
5,188
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR0038 over Thorn Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying SR0038 over Thorn Creek in Butler County, Pennsylvania. It was built in 1947, so it is 78 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 5,188 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 8,781 by 2032. The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long and 44 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR0038
CrossesThorn Creek
LocationNorth of Butler
RouteState Highway 38
CountyButler County
StatePennsylvania
Coordinates40.88443, -79.8744
Functional classUrban Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Fair

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
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 inspectionNovember 2022
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourCountermeasures installed to correct a previously existing problem
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating61.9 US tons
Inventory rating37 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length31 ft (9.4 m)
Longest span28 ft (8.5 m)
Deck width44 ft (13.3 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,188 (2024)
Projected traffic8,781 by 2032
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState 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$110,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR0038 over Thorn Creek built?

It was built in 1947, making it 78 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR0038 over Thorn 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 November 2022.

How much traffic does SR0038 over Thorn Creek carry?

About 5,188 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is SR0038 over Thorn Creek?

The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long with a longest span of 28 ft (8.5 m) and a deck 44 ft wide.

Who owns SR0038 over Thorn Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.