US Bridges

Pa 281 over Middle Creek

Fair

Somerset County, Pennsylvania · 1MI.S.NEW of Centerville · Structure no. 000000000031437

Built
1927
98 years old, rebuilt 1994
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Arch - Deck
Concrete
Length
60 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
2,759
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Pa 281 over Middle Creek is a concrete arch - deck carrying Pa 281 over Middle Creek in Somerset County, Pennsylvania. It was built in 1927 and reconstructed in 1994, so it is 98 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 2,759 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,627 by 2032. The structure is 60 ft (18.3 m) long and 34 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesPa 281
CrossesMiddle Creek
Location1MI.S.NEW of Centerville
RouteState Highway 281
CountySomerset County
StatePennsylvania
Coordinates39.93242, -79.21227
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
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 geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating69 US tons
Inventory rating42 US tons

Structure

Structure typeArch - Deck
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans1
Design loadH 20
Structure length60 ft (18.3 m)
Longest span60 ft (18.3 m)
Deck width34 ft (10.5 m)
Roadway width31 ft (9.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,759 (2024)
Projected traffic3,627 by 2032
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 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$8 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Pa 281 over Middle Creek built?

It was built in 1927, making it 98 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1994.

What condition is Pa 281 over Middle 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 July 2024.

How much traffic does Pa 281 over Middle Creek carry?

About 2,759 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is Pa 281 over Middle Creek?

The structure is 60 ft (18.3 m) long with a longest span of 60 ft (18.3 m) and a deck 34 ft wide.

Who owns Pa 281 over Middle Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.