US Bridges

Pa 653 over Buffalo Creek

Fair

Somerset County, Pennsylvania · Garrett Borough · Structure no. 000000000045346

Built
2008
17 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2022
Type
Box Beam or Girders - Multiple
Prestressed Concrete
Length
106 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,068
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Pa 653 over Buffalo Creek is a prestressed concrete box beam or girders - multiple carrying Pa 653 over Buffalo Creek in Somerset County, Pennsylvania. It was built in 2008, so it is 17 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 1,068 vehicles a day, roughly 13% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,746 by 2032. The structure is 106 ft (32.3 m) long and 40 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 11.2 mi (18 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesPa 653
CrossesBuffalo Creek
LocationGarrett Borough
RouteState Highway 653
CountySomerset County
StatePennsylvania
Coordinates39.86212, -79.05737
Functional classRural Major Collector

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 inspectionJuly 2022
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating73 US tons
Inventory rating54 US tons

Structure

Structure typeBox Beam or Girders - Multiple
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHL 93
Structure length106 ft (32.3 m)
Longest span42 ft (12.8 m)
Deck width40 ft (12.1 m)
Roadway width32 ft (9.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,068 (2024)
Projected traffic4,746 by 2032
Trucks13%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed11.2 mi (18 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—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Pa 653 over Buffalo Creek built?

It was built in 2008, making it 17 years old in 2025.

What condition is Pa 653 over Buffalo 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 2022.

How much traffic does Pa 653 over Buffalo Creek carry?

About 1,068 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 13% are trucks.

How long is Pa 653 over Buffalo Creek?

The structure is 106 ft (32.3 m) long with a longest span of 42 ft (12.8 m) and a deck 40 ft wide.

Who owns Pa 653 over Buffalo Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.