US Bridges

Erbs Bridge RD over Hammer Creek

FairPosted for load

Lancaster County, Pennsylvania · 1 Mile North of SR 272 · Structure no. 000000000022107

Built
1887
138 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Truss - Thru
Wood or Timber
Length
76 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
400
2012 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Erbs Bridge RD over Hammer Creek is a wood or timber truss - thru carrying Erbs Bridge RD over Hammer Creek in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. It was built in 1887, so it is 138 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 400 vehicles a day, projected to reach 520 by 2032. The structure is 76 ft (23.2 m) long and 16 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesErbs Bridge RD
CrossesHammer Creek
Location1 Mile North of SR 272
RouteCity Street 0
CountyLancaster County
StatePennsylvania
Coordinates40.16771, -76.24396
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.
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 inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Operating rating4 US tons
Inventory rating2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length76 ft (23.2 m)
Longest span72 ft (21.9 m)
Deck width16 ft (4.9 m)
Roadway width13 ft (4 m)
Vertical clearance over deck10 ft (3.2 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic400 (2012)
Projected traffic520 by 2032
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusListed on the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Erbs Bridge RD over Hammer Creek built?

It was built in 1887, making it 138 years old in 2025.

What condition is Erbs Bridge RD over Hammer 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 May 2024.

How much traffic does Erbs Bridge RD over Hammer Creek carry?

About 400 vehicles per day (2012 count).

How long is Erbs Bridge RD over Hammer Creek?

The structure is 76 ft (23.2 m) long with a longest span of 72 ft (21.9 m) and a deck 16 ft wide.

Who owns Erbs Bridge RD over Hammer Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.