US Bridges

SR 56 over Penn-Central RR

Good

Athens County, Ohio · 1M E of JCT SR 329 · Structure no. 0502642

Built
1937
88 years old, rebuilt 2020
Condition
Good
inspected May 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
129 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
6,148
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 56 over Penn-Central RR is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR 56 over Penn-Central RR in Athens County, Ohio. It was built in 1937 and reconstructed in 2020, so it is 88 years old, older than the Ohio average of 47.3 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 8 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 6,148 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 8,533 by 2038. The structure is 129 ft (39.3 m) long and 33 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 11.8 mi (19 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR 56
CrossesPenn-Central RR
Location1M E of JCT SR 329
RouteState Highway 56
CountyAthens County
StateOhio
Coordinates39.32103, -82.13731
Functional classUrban Collector

Condition and inspection

Good

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck9 ExcellentNo problems noted.
Superstructure9 ExcellentNo problems noted.
Substructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating89.3 US tons
Inventory rating71.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHL 93
Structure length129 ft (39.3 m)
Longest span45 ft (13.7 m)
Deck width33 ft (10.1 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,148 (2018)
Projected traffic8,533 by 2038
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRailroad
Detour if closed11.8 mi (19 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—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 56 over Penn-Central RR built?

It was built in 1937, making it 88 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2020.

What condition is SR 56 over Penn-Central RR 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 May 2024.

How much traffic does SR 56 over Penn-Central RR carry?

About 6,148 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is SR 56 over Penn-Central RR?

The structure is 129 ft (39.3 m) long with a longest span of 45 ft (13.7 m) and a deck 33 ft wide.

Who owns SR 56 over Penn-Central RR?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.