US Bridges

PA.472; Kirkwood over Octoraro Crk (reservior)

Fair

Lancaster County, Pennsylvania · At Chester Co. Line · Structure no. 000000000021280

Built
1950
75 years old, rebuilt 2012
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2022
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
238 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
6,522
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

PA.472; Kirkwood over Octoraro Crk (reservior) is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying PA.472; Kirkwood over Octoraro Crk (reservior) in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. It was built in 1950 and reconstructed in 2012, so it is 75 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 6,522 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,757 by 2032. The structure is 238 ft (72.5 m) long and 29 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesPA.472; Kirkwood
CrossesOctoraro Crk (reservior)
LocationAt Chester Co. Line
RouteState Highway 472
CountyLancaster County
StatePennsylvania
Coordinates39.81213, -76.03062
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionDecember 2022
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
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 alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating110.1 US tons
Inventory rating77.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length238 ft (72.5 m)
Longest span90 ft (27.4 m)
Deck width29 ft (8.9 m)
Roadway width26 ft (8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,522 (2024)
Projected traffic6,757 by 2032
Trucks11%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 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 proposedWidening with deck rehabilitation or replacement
Estimated improvement cost$1.8 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was PA.472; Kirkwood over Octoraro Crk (reservior) built?

It was built in 1950, making it 75 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2012.

What condition is PA.472; Kirkwood over Octoraro Crk (reservior) 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 December 2022.

How much traffic does PA.472; Kirkwood over Octoraro Crk (reservior) carry?

About 6,522 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is PA.472; Kirkwood over Octoraro Crk (reservior)?

The structure is 238 ft (72.5 m) long with a longest span of 90 ft (27.4 m) and a deck 29 ft wide.

Who owns PA.472; Kirkwood over Octoraro Crk (reservior)?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.