US Bridges

Birch Run Road over Birch Run

Poor

Chester County, Pennsylvania · Near Birchrunville 13F6 · Structure no. 000000000010355

Built
1923
102 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected May 2023
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
38 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
432
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Birch Run Road over Birch Run is a concrete slab carrying Birch Run Road over Birch Run in Chester County, Pennsylvania. It was built in 1923, so it is 102 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.

It carries about 432 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 465 by 2032. The structure is 38 ft (11.6 m) long and 20 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.7 mi (14 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesBirch Run Road
CrossesBirch Run
LocationNear Birchrunville 13F6
RouteState Highway 0
CountyChester County
StatePennsylvania
Coordinates40.12968, -75.64324
Functional classRural Minor Collector

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
Deck4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
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 inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Operating rating58 US tons
Inventory rating29 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length38 ft (11.6 m)
Longest span16 ft (4.9 m)
Deck width20 ft (6 m)
Roadway width17 ft (5.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic432 (2024)
Projected traffic465 by 2032
Trucks11%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.7 mi (14 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$163,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Birch Run Road over Birch Run built?

It was built in 1923, making it 102 years old in 2025.

What condition is Birch Run Road over Birch Run 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 May 2023.

How much traffic does Birch Run Road over Birch Run carry?

About 432 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is Birch Run Road over Birch Run?

The structure is 38 ft (11.6 m) long with a longest span of 16 ft (4.9 m) and a deck 20 ft wide.

Who owns Birch Run Road over Birch Run?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.