US Bridges

Pa 23; SR 0023 over Shirks Run

Fair

Lancaster County, Pennsylvania · Blue Ball in East Earl Tp · Structure no. 000000000020993

Built
1921
104 years old, rebuilt 1982
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
23 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
8,050
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Pa 23; SR 0023 over Shirks Run is a concrete slab carrying Pa 23; SR 0023 over Shirks Run in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. It was built in 1921 and reconstructed in 1982, so it is 104 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 8,050 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 14,289 by 2032. The structure is 23 ft (7 m) long and 35 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

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CarriesPa 23; SR 0023
CrossesShirks Run
LocationBlue Ball in East Earl Tp
RouteState Highway 23
CountyLancaster County
StatePennsylvania
Coordinates40.11895, -76.04706
Functional classUrban Minor Arterial

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.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionApril 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourCountermeasures installed to correct a previously existing problem
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating73 US tons
Inventory rating44 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length23 ft (7 m)
Longest span21 ft (6.4 m)
Deck width35 ft (10.8 m)
Roadway width32 ft (9.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic8,050 (2023)
Projected traffic14,289 by 2032
Trucks8%
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

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Pa 23; SR 0023 over Shirks Run built?

It was built in 1921, making it 104 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1982.

What condition is Pa 23; SR 0023 over Shirks 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 April 2024.

How much traffic does Pa 23; SR 0023 over Shirks Run carry?

About 8,050 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is Pa 23; SR 0023 over Shirks Run?

The structure is 23 ft (7 m) long with a longest span of 21 ft (6.4 m) and a deck 35 ft wide.

Who owns Pa 23; SR 0023 over Shirks Run?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.