US Bridges

Rapps Dam Road over French Creek

Good

Chester County, Pennsylvania · .5 Mi. S. RTE 23 14J4 · Structure no. 000000000010371

Built
1866
159 years old, rebuilt 2011
Condition
Good
inspected October 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
108 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
3,524
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Rapps Dam Road over French Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Rapps Dam Road over French Creek in Chester County, Pennsylvania. It was built in 1866 and reconstructed in 2011, so it is 159 years old, older than the Pennsylvania average of 54.8 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 3,524 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,402 by 2032. The structure is 108 ft (32.9 m) long and 14 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRapps Dam Road
CrossesFrench Creek
Location.5 Mi. S. RTE 23 14J4
RouteState Highway 0
CountyChester County
StatePennsylvania
Coordinates40.13826, -75.55285
Functional classUrban Local

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating107.1 US tons
Inventory rating103.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadHL 93
Structure length108 ft (32.9 m)
Longest span106 ft (32.3 m)
Deck width14 ft (4.3 m)
Roadway width13 ft (4 m)
Vertical clearance over deck10 ft (3 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,524 (2024)
Projected traffic4,402 by 2032
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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$107,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Rapps Dam Road over French Creek built?

It was built in 1866, making it 159 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2011.

What condition is Rapps Dam Road over French Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in October 2023.

How much traffic does Rapps Dam Road over French Creek carry?

About 3,524 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is Rapps Dam Road over French Creek?

The structure is 108 ft (32.9 m) long with a longest span of 106 ft (32.3 m) and a deck 14 ft wide.

Who owns Rapps Dam Road over French Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.