US Bridges

Pa 53 over Lost Creek

Fair

Cambria County, Pennsylvania · 0.1 Mile North of SR 1014 · Structure no. 000000000008391

Built
1930
95 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2024
Type
Arch - Deck
Concrete
Length
40 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
1,375
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Pa 53 over Lost Creek is a concrete arch - deck carrying Pa 53 over Lost Creek in Cambria County, Pennsylvania. It was built in 1930, so it is 95 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 1,375 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,965 by 2032. The structure is 40 ft (12.2 m) long and 33 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 13 mi (21 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesPa 53
CrossesLost Creek
Location0.1 Mile North of SR 1014
RouteState Highway 53
CountyCambria County
StatePennsylvania
Coordinates40.59486, -78.51691
Functional classRural 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
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
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 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
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 adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating99 US tons
Inventory rating82 US tons

Structure

Structure typeArch - Deck
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans1
Design loadH 20
Structure length40 ft (12.2 m)
Longest span40 ft (12.2 m)
Deck width33 ft (10.1 m)
Roadway width31 ft (9.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,375 (2023)
Projected traffic1,965 by 2032
Trucks12%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed13 mi (21 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—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Pa 53 over Lost Creek built?

It was built in 1930, making it 95 years old in 2025.

What condition is Pa 53 over Lost 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 2024.

How much traffic does Pa 53 over Lost Creek carry?

About 1,375 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is Pa 53 over Lost Creek?

The structure is 40 ft (12.2 m) long with a longest span of 40 ft (12.2 m) and a deck 33 ft wide.

Who owns Pa 53 over Lost Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.