US Bridges

SR 173 Main Street over Over Sandy Creek

Fair

Mercer County, Pennsylvania · Sandy Lake Borough · Structure no. 000000000025831

Built
1933
92 years old, rebuilt 2019
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2022
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
170 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
3,079
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 173 Main Street over Over Sandy Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR 173 Main Street over Over Sandy Creek in Mercer County, Pennsylvania. It was built in 1933 and reconstructed in 2019, so it is 92 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.

It carries about 3,079 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,681 by 2032. The structure is 170 ft (51.8 m) long and 32 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.7 mi (14 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR 173 Main Street
CrossesOver Sandy Creek
LocationSandy Lake Borough
RouteState Highway 173
CountyMercer County
StatePennsylvania
Coordinates41.35448, -80.08203
Functional classRural 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
Deck8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
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 protection4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionOctober 2022
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating58 US tons
Inventory rating34 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length170 ft (51.8 m)
Longest span58 ft (17.7 m)
Deck width32 ft (9.7 m)
Roadway width29 ft (8.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,079 (2024)
Projected traffic2,681 by 2032
Trucks9%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.7 mi (14 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 proposedDeck rehabilitation with only incidental widening
Estimated improvement cost$82,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 173 Main Street over Over Sandy Creek built?

It was built in 1933, making it 92 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2019.

What condition is SR 173 Main Street over Over Sandy 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 October 2022.

How much traffic does SR 173 Main Street over Over Sandy Creek carry?

About 3,079 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is SR 173 Main Street over Over Sandy Creek?

The structure is 170 ft (51.8 m) long with a longest span of 58 ft (17.7 m) and a deck 32 ft wide.

Who owns SR 173 Main Street over Over Sandy Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.