US Bridges

Hares Hill Road over French Creek

FairPosted for load

Chester County, Pennsylvania · I Mi. S. Rte. 23 14G4 · Structure no. 000000000010370

Built
1867
158 years old, rebuilt 2010
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2022
Type
Truss - Thru
Aluminum, Wrought Iron, or Cast Iron
Length
105 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
3,326
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Hares Hill Road over French Creek is a aluminum, wrought iron, or cast iron truss - thru carrying Hares Hill Road over French Creek in Chester County, Pennsylvania. It was built in 1867 and reconstructed in 2010, so it is 158 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 6 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 3,326 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,364 by 2032. The structure is 105 ft (32 m) long and 15 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

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CarriesHares Hill Road
CrossesFrench Creek
LocationI Mi. S. Rte. 23 14G4
RouteState Highway 0
CountyChester County
StatePennsylvania
Coordinates40.14117, -75.56781
Functional classUrban 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.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionDecember 2022
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
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 alignment3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Operating rating36 US tons
Inventory rating20 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialAluminum, Wrought Iron, or Cast Iron
DeckOpen grating
Main spans1
Design loadH 15
Structure length105 ft (32 m)
Longest span101 ft (30.8 m)
Deck width15 ft (4.5 m)
Roadway width15 ft (4.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,326 (2023)
Projected traffic5,364 by 2032
Trucks9%
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$839,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Hares Hill Road over French Creek built?

It was built in 1867, making it 158 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2010.

What condition is Hares Hill 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 December 2022.

How much traffic does Hares Hill Road over French Creek carry?

About 3,326 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is Hares Hill Road over French Creek?

The structure is 105 ft (32 m) long with a longest span of 101 ft (30.8 m) and a deck 15 ft wide.

Who owns Hares Hill Road over French Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.