US Bridges

Dowlin Forge Road over Shamona Creek

Fair

Chester County, Pennsylvania · Near Dowlin 3471-J3 · Structure no. 000000000010829

Built
1965
60 years old, rebuilt 2017
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Box Beam or Girders - Multiple
Prestressed Concrete
Length
39 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
2,800
2015 count
Owner
Town / Township
Town or Township Highway Agency

About this bridge

Dowlin Forge Road over Shamona Creek is a prestressed concrete box beam or girders - multiple carrying Dowlin Forge Road over Shamona Creek in Chester County, Pennsylvania. It was built in 1965 and reconstructed in 2017, so it is 60 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 6 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 2,800 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,200 by 2035. The structure is 39 ft (11.9 m) long and 38 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

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CarriesDowlin Forge Road
CrossesShamona Creek
LocationNear Dowlin 3471-J3
RouteCity Street 0
CountyChester County
StatePennsylvania
Coordinates40.04576, -75.69729
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
Deck8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating61 US tons
Inventory rating47 US tons

Structure

Structure typeBox Beam or Girders - Multiple
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHL 93
Structure length39 ft (11.9 m)
Longest span38 ft (11.6 m)
Deck width38 ft (11.5 m)
Roadway width34 ft (10.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,800 (2015)
Projected traffic3,200 by 2035
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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$201,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Dowlin Forge Road over Shamona Creek built?

It was built in 1965, making it 60 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2017.

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 July 2023.

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

About 2,800 vehicles per day (2015 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is Dowlin Forge Road over Shamona Creek?

The structure is 39 ft (11.9 m) long with a longest span of 38 ft (11.6 m) and a deck 38 ft wide.

Who owns Dowlin Forge Road over Shamona Creek?

It is owned by the Town or Township Highway Agency.