US Bridges

Pa Turnpike (I-76) over Plum Creek

Poor

Allegheny County, Pennsylvania · Near Penn Hills · Structure no. 000000000002096

Built
1952
73 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected June 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
27 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
38,689
2004 count
Owner
Toll Authority
State Toll Authority

About this bridge

Pa Turnpike (I-76) over Plum Creek is a concrete culvert carrying Pa Turnpike (I-76) over Plum Creek in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania. It was built in 1952, so it is 73 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 38,689 vehicles a day, roughly 17% of them trucks, projected to reach 42,977 by 2030. The structure is 27 ft (8.2 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

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CarriesPa Turnpike (I-76)
CrossesPlum Creek
LocationNear Penn Hills
RouteInterstate 76
CountyAllegheny County
StatePennsylvania
Coordinates40.48885, -79.78056
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Interstate

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
Channel and channel protection3 SeriousLoss of section, deterioration, spalling or scour have seriously affected primary structural components.
Culvert4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating99 US tons
Inventory rating98.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length27 ft (8.2 m)
Longest span27 ft (8.2 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic38,689 (2004)
Projected traffic42,977 by 2030
Trucks17%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 km)
TollOn a toll road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkInterstate STRAHNET route

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Toll Authority
Maintained byState Toll Authority
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 Turnpike (I-76) over Plum Creek built?

It was built in 1952, making it 73 years old in 2025.

What condition is Pa Turnpike (I-76) over Plum 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 June 2024.

How much traffic does Pa Turnpike (I-76) over Plum Creek carry?

About 38,689 vehicles per day (2004 count), of which roughly 17% are trucks.

How long is Pa Turnpike (I-76) over Plum Creek?

The structure is 27 ft (8.2 m) long with a longest span of 27 ft (8.2 m).

Who owns Pa Turnpike (I-76) over Plum Creek?

It is owned by the State Toll Authority.