US Bridges

Shenandoah RD over Big Buffalo Creek

Poor

Perry County, Pennsylvania · 3 NE Kistler/Big Buffalo · Structure no. 000000000029734

Built
1965
60 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected November 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
36 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
25
2018 count
Owner
Town / Township
Town or Township Highway Agency

About this bridge

Shenandoah RD over Big Buffalo Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying Shenandoah RD over Big Buffalo Creek in Perry County, Pennsylvania. It was built in 1965, so it is 60 years old, older than the Pennsylvania average of 54.8 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

It carries about 25 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 35 by 2038. The structure is 36 ft (11 m) long and 16 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesShenandoah RD
CrossesBig Buffalo Creek
Location3 NE Kistler/Big Buffalo
RouteCity Street 0
CountyPerry County
StatePennsylvania
Coordinates40.41004, -77.38635
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionNovember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Operating rating60 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length36 ft (11 m)
Longest span32 ft (9.8 m)
Deck width16 ft (5 m)
Roadway width14 ft (4.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic25 (2018)
Projected traffic35 by 2038
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed98.8 mi (159 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerTown or Township Highway Agency
Maintained byTown or Township 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 Shenandoah RD over Big Buffalo Creek built?

It was built in 1965, making it 60 years old in 2025.

What condition is Shenandoah RD over Big Buffalo Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in November 2023.

How much traffic does Shenandoah RD over Big Buffalo Creek carry?

About 25 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is Shenandoah RD over Big Buffalo Creek?

The structure is 36 ft (11 m) long with a longest span of 32 ft (9.8 m) and a deck 16 ft wide.

Who owns Shenandoah RD over Big Buffalo Creek?

It is owned by the Town or Township Highway Agency.