US Bridges

Dowlin Forge Road over Shamona Creek

FairPosted for load

Chester County, Pennsylvania · .6 MI W. Creek RD 3471-J4 · Structure no. 000000000010828

Built
1907
118 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2024
Type
Arch - Deck
Masonry
Length
36 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
560
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 1907, so it is 118 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 560 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 700 by 2035. The structure is 36 ft (11 m) long and 23 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
Location.6 MI W. Creek RD 3471-J4
RouteCity Street 0
CountyChester County
StatePennsylvania
Coordinates40.04275, -75.69829
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 statusPosted for load 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 rating58 US tons
Inventory rating35.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeArch - Deck
MaterialMasonry
DeckNot applicable
Main spans1
Design loadH 15
Structure length36 ft (11 m)
Longest span36 ft (11 m)
Deck width23 ft (7 m)
Roadway width14 ft (4.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic560 (2015)
Projected traffic700 by 2035
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
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$55,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Dowlin Forge Road over Shamona Creek built?

It was built in 1907, making it 118 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 560 vehicles per day (2015 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is Dowlin Forge Road over Shamona Creek?

The structure is 36 ft (11 m) long with a longest span of 36 ft (11 m) and a deck 23 ft wide.

Who owns Dowlin Forge Road over Shamona Creek?

It is owned by the Town or Township Highway Agency.