US Bridges

Phoenixville Pike over Branch Pickering Creek

Fair

Chester County, Pennsylvania · Near Phoenixville 15A12 · Structure no. 000000000009956

Built
1921
104 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
22 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
6,477
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Phoenixville Pike over Branch Pickering Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Phoenixville Pike over Branch Pickering Creek in Chester County, Pennsylvania. It was built in 1921, so it is 104 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 6,477 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 12,186 by 2032. The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long and 21 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

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CarriesPhoenixville Pike
CrossesBranch Pickering Creek
LocationNear Phoenixville 15A12
RouteState Highway 29
CountyChester County
StatePennsylvania
Coordinates40.09532, -75.54217
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.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
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 geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating66 US tons
Inventory rating33 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 20
Structure length22 ft (6.7 m)
Longest span20 ft (6.1 m)
Deck width21 ft (6.3 m)
Roadway width18 ft (5.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,477 (2024)
Projected traffic12,186 by 2032
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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$184,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Phoenixville Pike over Branch Pickering Creek built?

It was built in 1921, making it 104 years old in 2025.

What condition is Phoenixville Pike over Branch Pickering 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 July 2023.

How much traffic does Phoenixville Pike over Branch Pickering Creek carry?

About 6,477 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Phoenixville Pike over Branch Pickering Creek?

The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long with a longest span of 20 ft (6.1 m) and a deck 21 ft wide.

Who owns Phoenixville Pike over Branch Pickering Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.