US Bridges

Whipple Dam Road over Laurel Run

Fair

Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania · 500 W of Laurel Run RD · Structure no. 000000000018971

Built
1936
89 years old, rebuilt 1984
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
25 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
50
2024 count
Owner
State
State Park, Forest, or Reservation Agency

About this bridge

Whipple Dam Road over Laurel Run is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Whipple Dam Road over Laurel Run in Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania. It was built in 1936 and reconstructed in 1984, so it is 89 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 50 vehicles a day, projected to reach 70 by 2044. The structure is 25 ft (7.6 m) long and 18 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesWhipple Dam Road
CrossesLaurel Run
Location500 W of Laurel Run RD
RouteState Lands Road 0
CountyHuntingdon County
StatePennsylvania
Coordinates40.6826, -77.8659
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating77.1 US tons
Inventory rating46 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadH 20
Structure length25 ft (7.6 m)
Longest span22 ft (6.7 m)
Deck width18 ft (5.5 m)
Roadway width16 ft (4.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic50 (2024)
Projected traffic70 by 2044
Trucks—
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Park, Forest, or Reservation Agency
Maintained byState Park, Forest, or Reservation Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$60,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Whipple Dam Road over Laurel Run built?

It was built in 1936, making it 89 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1984.

What condition is Whipple Dam Road over Laurel Run 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 Whipple Dam Road over Laurel Run carry?

About 50 vehicles per day (2024 count).

How long is Whipple Dam Road over Laurel Run?

The structure is 25 ft (7.6 m) long with a longest span of 22 ft (6.7 m) and a deck 18 ft wide.

Who owns Whipple Dam Road over Laurel Run?

It is owned by the State Park, Forest, or Reservation Agency.