US Bridges

Merlin Road over Pickering Creek

Fair

Chester County, Pennsylvania · Nr.Valley Forge Hp. 14E10 · Structure no. 000000000010335

Built
1961
64 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Box Beam or Girders - Multiple
Prestressed Concrete
Length
76 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
1,162
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Merlin Road over Pickering Creek is a prestressed concrete box beam or girders - multiple carrying Merlin Road over Pickering Creek in Chester County, Pennsylvania. It was built in 1961, so it is 64 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 1,162 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,893 by 2032. The structure is 76 ft (23.2 m) long and 30 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.8 mi (11 km).

Location

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CarriesMerlin Road
CrossesPickering Creek
LocationNr.Valley Forge Hp. 14E10
RouteState Highway 0
CountyChester County
StatePennsylvania
Coordinates40.10382, -75.58013
Functional classRural Minor 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
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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJuly 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
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 rating64 US tons
Inventory rating20 US tons

Structure

Structure typeBox Beam or Girders - Multiple
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckOther
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length76 ft (23.2 m)
Longest span74 ft (22.6 m)
Deck width30 ft (9.1 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,162 (2024)
Projected traffic1,893 by 2032
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.8 mi (11 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Merlin Road over Pickering Creek built?

It was built in 1961, making it 64 years old in 2025.

What condition is Merlin Road over 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 Merlin Road over Pickering Creek carry?

About 1,162 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is Merlin Road over Pickering Creek?

The structure is 76 ft (23.2 m) long with a longest span of 74 ft (22.6 m) and a deck 30 ft wide.

Who owns Merlin Road over Pickering Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.