US Bridges

Pa 403 over Bens Creek

Fair

Somerset County, Pennsylvania · Bens Creek · Structure no. 000000000031467

Built
1953
72 years old, rebuilt 2011
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
86 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
5,265
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Pa 403 over Bens Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Pa 403 over Bens Creek in Somerset County, Pennsylvania. It was built in 1953 and reconstructed in 2011, 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 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 5,265 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 7,379 by 2032. The structure is 86 ft (26.2 m) long and 37 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesPa 403
CrossesBens Creek
LocationBens Creek
RouteState Highway 403
CountySomerset County
StatePennsylvania
Coordinates40.28422, -78.92983
Functional classUrban 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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 inspectionDecember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating61.9 US tons
Inventory rating37 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length86 ft (26.2 m)
Longest span41 ft (12.5 m)
Deck width37 ft (11.3 m)
Roadway width34 ft (10.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,265 (2024)
Projected traffic7,379 by 2032
Trucks2%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 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$1.1 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Pa 403 over Bens Creek built?

It was built in 1953, making it 72 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2011.

What condition is Pa 403 over Bens 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 December 2024.

How much traffic does Pa 403 over Bens Creek carry?

About 5,265 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 2% are trucks.

How long is Pa 403 over Bens Creek?

The structure is 86 ft (26.2 m) long with a longest span of 41 ft (12.5 m) and a deck 37 ft wide.

Who owns Pa 403 over Bens Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.