US Bridges

Pa 281 over East Br Coxes Creek

Fair

Somerset County, Pennsylvania · NE of 4055\281 Intersect · Structure no. 000000000031440

Built
1989
36 years old, rebuilt 2017
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
37 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
7,028
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Pa 281 over East Br Coxes Creek is a concrete culvert carrying Pa 281 over East Br Coxes Creek in Somerset County, Pennsylvania. It was built in 1989 and reconstructed in 2017, so it is 36 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 7,028 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 11,741 by 2032. The structure is 37 ft (11.3 m) long and 59 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesPa 281
CrossesEast Br Coxes Creek
LocationNE of 4055\281 Intersect
RouteState Highway 281
CountySomerset County
StatePennsylvania
Coordinates40.01217, -79.07431
Functional classUrban Other Principal 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
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to 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 rating83 US tons
Inventory rating49.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 25 or greater
Structure length37 ft (11.3 m)
Longest span15 ft (4.6 m)
Deck width59 ft (18 m)
Roadway width53 ft (16.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic7,028 (2023)
Projected traffic11,741 by 2032
Trucks12%
Lanes on structure3
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Pa 281 over East Br Coxes Creek built?

It was built in 1989, making it 36 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2017.

What condition is Pa 281 over East Br Coxes 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 2023.

How much traffic does Pa 281 over East Br Coxes Creek carry?

About 7,028 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is Pa 281 over East Br Coxes Creek?

The structure is 37 ft (11.3 m) long with a longest span of 15 ft (4.6 m) and a deck 59 ft wide.

Who owns Pa 281 over East Br Coxes Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.