US Bridges

SR 0221 over Buffalo Creek

Poor

Washington County, Pennsylvania · Blaine Township · Structure no. 000000000034662

Built
1949
76 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected October 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
79 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
126
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 0221 over Buffalo Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR 0221 over Buffalo Creek in Washington County, Pennsylvania. It was built in 1949, so it is 76 years old, older than the Pennsylvania average of 54.8 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

It carries about 126 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 134 by 2032. The structure is 79 ft (24.1 m) long and 16 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

CarriesSR 0221
CrossesBuffalo Creek
LocationBlaine Township
RouteState Highway 221
Coordinates40.17598, -80.39522
Functional classRural Minor Collector

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Operating rating93 US tons
Inventory rating56 US tons

Structure

MaterialSteel
DeckClosed grating
Main spans1
Design loadH 20
Structure length79 ft (24.1 m)
Longest span71 ft (21.6 m)
Deck width16 ft (4.9 m)
Roadway width14 ft (4.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic126 (2024)
Projected traffic134 by 2032
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-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$51,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 0221 over Buffalo Creek built?

It was built in 1949, making it 76 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR 0221 over Buffalo Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in October 2023.

How much traffic does SR 0221 over Buffalo Creek carry?

About 126 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is SR 0221 over Buffalo Creek?

The structure is 79 ft (24.1 m) long with a longest span of 71 ft (21.6 m) and a deck 16 ft wide.

Who owns SR 0221 over Buffalo Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.