US Bridges

Pa 281 over Laurel Hill Creek

Fair

Somerset County, Pennsylvania · .2 Mi.N.Of Ursina Boro · Structure no. 000000000031435

Built
1994
31 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2022
Type
Box Beam or Girders - Multiple
Prestressed Concrete
Length
190 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
1,495
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Pa 281 over Laurel Hill Creek is a prestressed concrete box beam or girders - multiple carrying Pa 281 over Laurel Hill Creek in Somerset County, Pennsylvania. It was built in 1994, so it is 31 years old, younger 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 1,495 vehicles a day, roughly 13% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,084 by 2032. The structure is 190 ft (57.9 m) long and 44 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 14.9 mi (24 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesPa 281
CrossesLaurel Hill Creek
Location.2 Mi.N.Of Ursina Boro
RouteState Highway 281
CountySomerset County
StatePennsylvania
Coordinates39.82241, -79.32037
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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionSeptember 2022
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating106 US tons
Inventory rating58 US tons

Structure

Structure typeBox Beam or Girders - Multiple
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadHS 25 or greater
Structure length190 ft (57.9 m)
Longest span94 ft (28.7 m)
Deck width44 ft (13.3 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,495 (2023)
Projected traffic2,084 by 2032
Trucks13%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed14.9 mi (24 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 proposedDeck rehabilitation with only incidental widening
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Pa 281 over Laurel Hill Creek built?

It was built in 1994, making it 31 years old in 2025.

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 2022.

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

About 1,495 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 13% are trucks.

How long is Pa 281 over Laurel Hill Creek?

The structure is 190 ft (57.9 m) long with a longest span of 94 ft (28.7 m) and a deck 44 ft wide.

Who owns Pa 281 over Laurel Hill Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.