US Bridges

US 1 By-Pass over West Branch Big Elk Cr.

Fair

Chester County, Pennsylvania · Nr. Lincoln Univ. 44B9 · Structure no. 000000000009892

Built
1968
57 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
20 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
18,144
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 1 By-Pass over West Branch Big Elk Cr. is a concrete culvert carrying US 1 By-Pass over West Branch Big Elk Cr. in Chester County, Pennsylvania. It was built in 1968, so it is 57 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 18,144 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 18,985 by 2032. The structure is 20 ft (6.1 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 1 By-Pass
CrossesWest Branch Big Elk Cr.
LocationNr. Lincoln Univ. 44B9
RouteU.S. Route 1
CountyChester County
StatePennsylvania
Coordinates39.81496, -75.93738
Functional classUrban Principal Arterial - Other Freeway or Expressway

Condition and inspection

Fair

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionOctober 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
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating73 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length20 ft (6.1 m)
Longest span20 ft (6.1 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic18,144 (2024)
Projected traffic18,985 by 2032
Trucks9%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.1 mi (13 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState 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 US 1 By-Pass over West Branch Big Elk Cr. built?

It was built in 1968, making it 57 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 1 By-Pass over West Branch Big Elk Cr. 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 October 2023.

How much traffic does US 1 By-Pass over West Branch Big Elk Cr. carry?

About 18,144 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is US 1 By-Pass over West Branch Big Elk Cr.?

The structure is 20 ft (6.1 m) long with a longest span of 20 ft (6.1 m).

Who owns US 1 By-Pass over West Branch Big Elk Cr.?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.