US Bridges

Creek ROAD(T542) over Pickering Creek

PoorPosted for load

Chester County, Pennsylvania · Schuylkill Twp. 3364-F3 · Structure no. 000000000010722

Built
1879
146 years old, rebuilt 1996
Condition
Poor
inspected July 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
54 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
719
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Creek ROAD(T542) over Pickering Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Creek ROAD(T542) over Pickering Creek in Chester County, Pennsylvania. It was built in 1879 and reconstructed in 1996, so it is 146 years old, older than the Pennsylvania average of 54.8 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 719 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 838 by 2042. The structure is 54 ft (16.5 m) long and 18 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCreek ROAD(T542)
CrossesPickering Creek
LocationSchuylkill Twp. 3364-F3
RouteCity Street 0
CountyChester County
StatePennsylvania
Coordinates40.10927, -75.52779
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
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 rating17 US tons
Inventory rating10 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length54 ft (16.5 m)
Longest span50 ft (15.2 m)
Deck width18 ft (5.4 m)
Roadway width14 ft (4.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic719 (2022)
Projected traffic838 by 2042
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$415,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Creek ROAD(T542) over Pickering Creek built?

It was built in 1879, making it 146 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1996.

What condition is Creek ROAD(T542) over Pickering Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in July 2024.

How much traffic does Creek ROAD(T542) over Pickering Creek carry?

About 719 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is Creek ROAD(T542) over Pickering Creek?

The structure is 54 ft (16.5 m) long with a longest span of 50 ft (15.2 m) and a deck 18 ft wide.

Who owns Creek ROAD(T542) over Pickering Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.