US Bridges

Pa 281 over Licking Run

Fair

Somerset County, Pennsylvania · Ursina · Structure no. 000000000031434

Built
1953
72 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
23 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
1,259
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Pa 281 over Licking Run is a concrete tee beam carrying Pa 281 over Licking Run in Somerset County, Pennsylvania. It was built in 1953, so it is 72 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 1,259 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,875 by 2032. The structure is 23 ft (7 m) long and 35 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 11.8 mi (19 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesPa 281
CrossesLicking Run
LocationUrsina
RouteState Highway 281
CountySomerset County
StatePennsylvania
Coordinates39.81688, -79.33968
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
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 adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating73 US tons
Inventory rating43 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length23 ft (7 m)
Longest span21 ft (6.4 m)
Deck width35 ft (10.7 m)
Roadway width32 ft (9.8 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 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—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Pa 281 over Licking Run built?

It was built in 1953, making it 72 years old in 2025.

What condition is Pa 281 over Licking Run 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 July 2024.

How much traffic does Pa 281 over Licking Run carry?

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

How long is Pa 281 over Licking Run?

The structure is 23 ft (7 m) long with a longest span of 21 ft (6.4 m) and a deck 35 ft wide.

Who owns Pa 281 over Licking Run?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.