US Bridges

Pa 281 over Laurel Hill Creek

Fair

Somerset County, Pennsylvania · Confluence Borough · Structure no. 000000000031433

Built
1935
90 years old, rebuilt 2010
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
128 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
1,259
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Pa 281 over Laurel Hill Creek is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Pa 281 over Laurel Hill Creek in Somerset County, Pennsylvania. It was built in 1935 and reconstructed in 2010, so it is 90 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 6 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 1,259 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,875 by 2032. The structure is 128 ft (39 m) long and 32 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesPa 281
CrossesLaurel Hill Creek
LocationConfluence Borough
RouteState Highway 281
CountySomerset County
StatePennsylvania
Coordinates39.81392, -79.35542
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
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 inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating75.9 US tons
Inventory rating46 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadHL 93
Structure length128 ft (39 m)
Longest span63 ft (19.2 m)
Deck width32 ft (9.8 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,259 (2024)
Projected traffic1,875 by 2032
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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$1.5 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Pa 281 over Laurel Hill Creek built?

It was built in 1935, making it 90 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2010.

What condition is Pa 281 over Laurel Hill 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 September 2024.

How much traffic does Pa 281 over Laurel Hill Creek carry?

About 1,259 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is Pa 281 over Laurel Hill Creek?

The structure is 128 ft (39 m) long with a longest span of 63 ft (19.2 m) and a deck 32 ft wide.

Who owns Pa 281 over Laurel Hill Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.