US Bridges

Hollow Road over French Creek

Fair

Chester County, Pennsylvania · East/West Vincent 13J2 · Structure no. 000000000010358

Built
1850
175 years old, rebuilt 1996
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
102 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
660
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Hollow Road over French Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Hollow Road over French Creek in Chester County, Pennsylvania. It was built in 1850 and reconstructed in 1996, so it is 175 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 660 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,191 by 2032. The structure is 102 ft (31.1 m) long and 15 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesHollow Road
CrossesFrench Creek
LocationEast/West Vincent 13J2
RouteState Highway 0
CountyChester County
StatePennsylvania
Coordinates40.14773, -75.62058
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
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 adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating54 US tons
Inventory rating32 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans2
Design loadHS 15
Structure length102 ft (31.1 m)
Longest span50 ft (15.2 m)
Deck width15 ft (4.7 m)
Roadway width12 ft (3.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deck9 ft (2.8 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic660 (2024)
Projected traffic1,191 by 2032
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusListed on the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$116,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Hollow Road over French Creek built?

It was built in 1850, making it 175 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1996.

What condition is Hollow Road over French 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 Hollow Road over French Creek carry?

About 660 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is Hollow Road over French Creek?

The structure is 102 ft (31.1 m) long with a longest span of 50 ft (15.2 m) and a deck 15 ft wide.

Who owns Hollow Road over French Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.