US Bridges

Dowlin Forge Road over Shamona Creek

Fair

Chester County, Pennsylvania · Near Dowlin 3471-G4 · Structure no. 000000000010827

Built
1915
110 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2024
Type
Arch - Deck
Masonry
Length
43 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
2,866
2015 count
Owner
Town / Township
Town or Township Highway Agency

About this bridge

Dowlin Forge Road over Shamona Creek is a masonry arch - deck carrying Dowlin Forge Road over Shamona Creek in Chester County, Pennsylvania. It was built in 1915, so it is 110 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 2,866 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,000 by 2035. The structure is 43 ft (13.1 m) long and 21 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesDowlin Forge Road
CrossesShamona Creek
LocationNear Dowlin 3471-G4
RouteCity Street 0
CountyChester County
StatePennsylvania
Coordinates40.0394, -75.7068
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
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 protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionApril 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
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 alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating66 US tons
Inventory rating39 US tons

Structure

Structure typeArch - Deck
MaterialMasonry
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length43 ft (13.1 m)
Longest span24 ft (7.3 m)
Deck width21 ft (6.5 m)
Roadway width18 ft (5.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,866 (2015)
Projected traffic3,000 by 2035
Trucks1%
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

OwnerTown or Township Highway Agency
Maintained byTown or Township 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 Dowlin Forge Road over Shamona Creek built?

It was built in 1915, making it 110 years old in 2025.

What condition is Dowlin Forge Road over Shamona 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 April 2024.

How much traffic does Dowlin Forge Road over Shamona Creek carry?

About 2,866 vehicles per day (2015 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is Dowlin Forge Road over Shamona Creek?

The structure is 43 ft (13.1 m) long with a longest span of 24 ft (7.3 m) and a deck 21 ft wide.

Who owns Dowlin Forge Road over Shamona Creek?

It is owned by the Town or Township Highway Agency.