US Bridges

Sheeder Mill Road over French Creek

FairPosted for load

Chester County, Pennsylvania · 3250-K6 Adc Map · Structure no. 000000000010707

Built
1887
138 years old, rebuilt 2010
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Truss - Thru
Aluminum, Wrought Iron, or Cast Iron
Length
88 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
187
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Sheeder Mill Road over French Creek is a aluminum, wrought iron, or cast iron truss - thru carrying Sheeder Mill Road over French Creek in Chester County, Pennsylvania. It was built in 1887 and reconstructed in 2010, so it is 138 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 187 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 218 by 2042. The structure is 88 ft (26.8 m) long and 16 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

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CarriesSheeder Mill Road
CrossesFrench Creek
Location3250-K6 Adc Map
RouteCity Street 0
CountyChester County
StatePennsylvania
Coordinates40.15108, -75.62785
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.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Operating rating37 US tons
Inventory rating27 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialAluminum, Wrought Iron, or Cast Iron
DeckOther
Main spans1
Design loadHS 15
Structure length88 ft (26.8 m)
Longest span88 ft (26.8 m)
Deck width16 ft (4.9 m)
Roadway width15 ft (4.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deck12 ft (3.7 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic187 (2022)
Projected traffic218 by 2042
Trucks10%
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

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusEligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$623,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Sheeder Mill Road over French Creek built?

It was built in 1887, making it 138 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2010.

What condition is Sheeder Mill 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 May 2024.

How much traffic does Sheeder Mill Road over French Creek carry?

About 187 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is Sheeder Mill Road over French Creek?

The structure is 88 ft (26.8 m) long with a longest span of 88 ft (26.8 m) and a deck 16 ft wide.

Who owns Sheeder Mill Road over French Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.