US Bridges

Sawhill Bridge over Buffalo Creek

Good

Washington County, Pennsylvania · 030 West of SR 221 · Structure no. 000000000035245

Built
1915
110 years old, rebuilt 2005
Condition
Good
inspected April 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
56 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
38
2005 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Sawhill Bridge over Buffalo Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Sawhill Bridge over Buffalo Creek in Washington County, Pennsylvania. It was built in 1915 and reconstructed in 2005, so it is 110 years old, older than the Pennsylvania average of 54.8 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 38 vehicles a day, projected to reach 30 by 2022. The structure is 56 ft (17.1 m) long and 12 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSawhill Bridge
CrossesBuffalo Creek
Location030 West of SR 221
RouteCity Street 0T426
CountyWashington County
StatePennsylvania
Coordinates40.18018, -80.41616
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionApril 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
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 rating55 US tons
Inventory rating42 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadHS 25 or greater
Structure length56 ft (17.1 m)
Longest span54 ft (16.5 m)
Deck width12 ft (3.6 m)
Roadway width11 ft (3.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deck10 ft (3.1 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic38 (2005)
Projected traffic30 by 2022
Trucks0%
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

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusListed on the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$59,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Sawhill Bridge over Buffalo Creek built?

It was built in 1915, making it 110 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2005.

What condition is Sawhill Bridge over Buffalo Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in April 2023.

How much traffic does Sawhill Bridge over Buffalo Creek carry?

About 38 vehicles per day (2005 count).

How long is Sawhill Bridge over Buffalo Creek?

The structure is 56 ft (17.1 m) long with a longest span of 54 ft (16.5 m) and a deck 12 ft wide.

Who owns Sawhill Bridge over Buffalo Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.