US Bridges

SR 550-PA 550 over Buffalo Run

Fair

Centre County, Pennsylvania · Briarly · Structure no. 000000000009554

Built
1977
48 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Slab
Prestressed Concrete
Length
23 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
1,216
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 550-PA 550 over Buffalo Run is a prestressed concrete slab carrying SR 550-PA 550 over Buffalo Run in Centre County, Pennsylvania. It was built in 1977, so it is 48 years old, younger 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.

It carries about 1,216 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,306 by 2043. The structure is 23 ft (7 m) long and 42 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

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CarriesSR 550-PA 550
CrossesBuffalo Run
LocationBriarly
RouteState Highway 550
CountyCentre County
StatePennsylvania
Coordinates40.85108, -77.89406
Functional classRural Major Collector

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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating99 US tons
Inventory rating44 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length23 ft (7 m)
Longest span21 ft (6.4 m)
Deck width42 ft (12.7 m)
Roadway width38 ft (11.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,216 (2024)
Projected traffic2,306 by 2043
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 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$366,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 550-PA 550 over Buffalo Run built?

It was built in 1977, making it 48 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR 550-PA 550 over Buffalo Run 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 May 2023.

How much traffic does SR 550-PA 550 over Buffalo Run carry?

About 1,216 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is SR 550-PA 550 over Buffalo Run?

The structure is 23 ft (7 m) long with a longest span of 21 ft (6.4 m) and a deck 42 ft wide.

Who owns SR 550-PA 550 over Buffalo Run?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.