US Bridges

Pa 160 over Buffalo Creek

Poor

Somerset County, Pennsylvania · 1.5 Mi.S.Of Berlin · Structure no. 000000000031359

Built
1900
125 years old, rebuilt 2001
Condition
Poor
inspected April 2024
Type
Arch - Deck
Masonry
Length
30 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
2,013
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Pa 160 over Buffalo Creek is a masonry arch - deck carrying Pa 160 over Buffalo Creek in Somerset County, Pennsylvania. It was built in 1900 and reconstructed in 2001, so it is 125 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 2,013 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,014 by 2032. The structure is 30 ft (9.1 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesPa 160
CrossesBuffalo Creek
Location1.5 Mi.S.Of Berlin
RouteState Highway 160
CountySomerset County
StatePennsylvania
Coordinates39.89842, -78.954
Functional classRural Major Collector

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
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionApril 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating61 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeArch - Deck
MaterialMasonry
DeckNot applicable
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length30 ft (9.1 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.5 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,013 (2024)
Projected traffic3,014 by 2032
Trucks12%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.1 mi (13 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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Pa 160 over Buffalo Creek built?

It was built in 1900, making it 125 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2001.

What condition is Pa 160 over 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 April 2024.

How much traffic does Pa 160 over Buffalo Creek carry?

About 2,013 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is Pa 160 over Buffalo Creek?

The structure is 30 ft (9.1 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns Pa 160 over Buffalo Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.