US Bridges

Horse Shoe Trail over Birch Run

Fair

Chester County, Pennsylvania · West Vincent Twp. 13D08 · Structure no. 000000000010702

Built
1940
85 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
29 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
920
2019 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Horse Shoe Trail over Birch Run is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Horse Shoe Trail over Birch Run in Chester County, Pennsylvania. It was built in 1940, so it is 85 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 920 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,123 by 2039. The structure is 29 ft (8.8 m) long and 20 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesHorse Shoe Trail
CrossesBirch Run
LocationWest Vincent Twp. 13D08
RouteCity Street 0
CountyChester County
StatePennsylvania
Coordinates40.1174, -75.65843
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
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 protection4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionApril 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 adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating60 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length29 ft (8.8 m)
Longest span25 ft (7.6 m)
Deck width20 ft (6.2 m)
Roadway width18 ft (5.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic920 (2019)
Projected traffic1,123 by 2039
Trucks12%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty 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$68,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Horse Shoe Trail over Birch Run built?

It was built in 1940, making it 85 years old in 2025.

What condition is Horse Shoe Trail over Birch Run 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 April 2023.

How much traffic does Horse Shoe Trail over Birch Run carry?

About 920 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is Horse Shoe Trail over Birch Run?

The structure is 29 ft (8.8 m) long with a longest span of 25 ft (7.6 m) and a deck 20 ft wide.

Who owns Horse Shoe Trail over Birch Run?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.