US Bridges

Pa 985 over Trib.To Bens Creek

Fair

Somerset County, Pennsylvania · Thomas Mills · Structure no. 000000000031504

Built
1921
104 years old, rebuilt 2014
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
22 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
1,285
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Pa 985 over Trib.To Bens Creek is a concrete slab carrying Pa 985 over Trib.To Bens Creek in Somerset County, Pennsylvania. It was built in 1921 and reconstructed in 2014, so it is 104 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 1,285 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,328 by 2032. The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long and 33 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 29.8 mi (48 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesPa 985
CrossesTrib.To Bens Creek
LocationThomas Mills
RouteState Highway 985
CountySomerset County
StatePennsylvania
Coordinates40.22568, -78.98729
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionApril 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourCountermeasures installed to correct a previously existing problem
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 rating84 US tons
Inventory rating50 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length22 ft (6.7 m)
Longest span21 ft (6.4 m)
Deck width33 ft (10 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,285 (2024)
Projected traffic1,328 by 2032
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed29.8 mi (48 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Pa 985 over Trib.To Bens Creek built?

It was built in 1921, making it 104 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2014.

What condition is Pa 985 over Trib.To 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 April 2023.

How much traffic does Pa 985 over Trib.To Bens Creek carry?

About 1,285 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is Pa 985 over Trib.To Bens Creek?

The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long with a longest span of 21 ft (6.4 m) and a deck 33 ft wide.

Who owns Pa 985 over Trib.To Bens Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.