US Bridges

Dowlins Forge Rd. over East Br Brandywine Creek

Fair

Chester County, Pennsylvania · Near Dowlin 20F10 · Structure no. 000000000010587

Built
1941
84 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
103 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
3,954
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Dowlins Forge Rd. over East Br Brandywine Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Dowlins Forge Rd. over East Br Brandywine Creek in Chester County, Pennsylvania. It was built in 1941, so it is 84 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 3,954 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,232 by 2032. The structure is 103 ft (31.4 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

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CarriesDowlins Forge Rd.
CrossesEast Br Brandywine Creek
LocationNear Dowlin 20F10
RouteState Highway 0
CountyChester County
StatePennsylvania
Coordinates40.03489, -75.70844
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.
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 inspectionMay 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 adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating53 US tons
Inventory rating32 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadH 20
Structure length103 ft (31.4 m)
Longest span50 ft (15.2 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.5 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,954 (2024)
Projected traffic3,232 by 2032
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-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 statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$369,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Dowlins Forge Rd. over East Br Brandywine Creek built?

It was built in 1941, making it 84 years old in 2025.

What condition is Dowlins Forge Rd. over East Br Brandywine 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 May 2023.

How much traffic does Dowlins Forge Rd. over East Br Brandywine Creek carry?

About 3,954 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is Dowlins Forge Rd. over East Br Brandywine Creek?

The structure is 103 ft (31.4 m) long with a longest span of 50 ft (15.2 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns Dowlins Forge Rd. over East Br Brandywine Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.