US Bridges

Pa 849;CREEK Rd. over Buffalo Creek

Fair

Perry County, Pennsylvania · Near Markelsville · Structure no. 000000000029553

Built
1934
91 years old, rebuilt 2012
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
110 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
333
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Pa 849;CREEK Rd. over Buffalo Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Pa 849;CREEK Rd. over Buffalo Creek in Perry County, Pennsylvania. It was built in 1934 and reconstructed in 2012, so it is 91 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 333 vehicles a day, roughly 19% of them trucks, projected to reach 493 by 2032. The structure is 110 ft (33.5 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 11.8 mi (19 km).

Location

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CarriesPa 849;CREEK Rd.
CrossesBuffalo Creek
LocationNear Markelsville
RouteState Highway 849
CountyPerry County
StatePennsylvania
Coordinates40.46023, -77.25109
Functional classRural Minor 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
Deck8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
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 geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating52.5 US tons
Inventory rating40.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadHL 93
Structure length110 ft (33.5 m)
Longest span53 ft (16.2 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.5 m)
Roadway width25 ft (7.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic333 (2024)
Projected traffic493 by 2032
Trucks19%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed11.8 mi (19 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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$665,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Pa 849;CREEK Rd. over Buffalo Creek built?

It was built in 1934, making it 91 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2012.

What condition is Pa 849;CREEK Rd. over Buffalo 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 March 2023.

How much traffic does Pa 849;CREEK Rd. over Buffalo Creek carry?

About 333 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 19% are trucks.

How long is Pa 849;CREEK Rd. over Buffalo Creek?

The structure is 110 ft (33.5 m) long with a longest span of 53 ft (16.2 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns Pa 849;CREEK Rd. over Buffalo Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.