US Bridges

Lancaster Avenue over East Br. Brandywine Ck.

PoorPosted for load

Chester County, Pennsylvania · Downingtown 30G2 · Structure no. 000000000010190

Built
1921
104 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected July 2023
Type
Arch - Deck
Concrete
Length
175 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
18,163
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Lancaster Avenue over East Br. Brandywine Ck. is a concrete arch - deck carrying Lancaster Avenue over East Br. Brandywine Ck. 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 poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 18,163 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 19,856 by 2032. The structure is 175 ft (53.3 m) long and 54 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesLancaster Avenue
CrossesEast Br. Brandywine Ck.
LocationDowningtown 30G2
RouteU.S. Route 322
CountyChester County
StatePennsylvania
Coordinates40.00597, -75.70504
Functional classUrban Other Principal Arterial

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating56 US tons
Inventory rating34 US tons

Structure

Structure typeArch - Deck
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans4
Design loadH 20
Structure length175 ft (53.3 m)
Longest span40 ft (12.2 m)
Deck width54 ft (16.5 m)
Roadway width38 ft (11.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic18,163 (2024)
Projected traffic19,856 by 2032
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$561,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Lancaster Avenue over East Br. Brandywine Ck. built?

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

What condition is Lancaster Avenue over East Br. Brandywine Ck. in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in July 2023.

How much traffic does Lancaster Avenue over East Br. Brandywine Ck. carry?

About 18,163 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is Lancaster Avenue over East Br. Brandywine Ck.?

The structure is 175 ft (53.3 m) long with a longest span of 40 ft (12.2 m) and a deck 54 ft wide.

Who owns Lancaster Avenue over East Br. Brandywine Ck.?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.