US Bridges

Ewing Road over East Branch Big Elk Cr.

Fair

Chester County, Pennsylvania · Near Longs Ford 44G04 · Structure no. 000000000010491

Built
1928
97 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
28 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
364
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Ewing Road over East Branch Big Elk Cr. is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Ewing Road over East Branch Big Elk Cr. in Chester County, Pennsylvania. It was built in 1928, so it is 97 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 364 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 496 by 2032. The structure is 28 ft (8.5 m) long and 22 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.8 mi (11 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesEwing Road
CrossesEast Branch Big Elk Cr.
LocationNear Longs Ford 44G04
RouteState Highway 0
CountyChester County
StatePennsylvania
Coordinates39.84614, -75.90585
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
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 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 rating49.1 US tons
Inventory rating29 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 15
Structure length28 ft (8.5 m)
Longest span25 ft (7.6 m)
Deck width22 ft (6.7 m)
Roadway width17 ft (5.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic364 (2023)
Projected traffic496 by 2032
Trucks9%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$30,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Ewing Road over East Branch Big Elk Cr. built?

It was built in 1928, making it 97 years old in 2025.

What condition is Ewing Road over East Branch Big Elk Cr. 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 Ewing Road over East Branch Big Elk Cr. carry?

About 364 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is Ewing Road over East Branch Big Elk Cr.?

The structure is 28 ft (8.5 m) long with a longest span of 25 ft (7.6 m) and a deck 22 ft wide.

Who owns Ewing Road over East Branch Big Elk Cr.?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.