US Bridges

Columbus Avenue over Norfolk Southern RR

FairPosted for load

Allegheny County, Pennsylvania · 022 Columbus Ave Bridge · Structure no. 000000000002404

Built
1907
118 years old, rebuilt 1990
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel
Length
237 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
1,750
2023 count
Owner
Railroad
Railroad

About this bridge

Columbus Avenue over Norfolk Southern RR is a steel truss - thru carrying Columbus Avenue over Norfolk Southern RR in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania. It was built in 1907 and reconstructed in 1990, so it is 118 years old, older 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 5 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 1,750 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,925 by 2043. The structure is 237 ft (72.2 m) long and 50 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesColumbus Avenue
CrossesNorfolk Southern RR
Location022 Columbus Ave Bridge
RouteCity Street 0
CountyAllegheny County
StatePennsylvania
Coordinates40.4586, -80.0236
Functional classUrban Local

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating33 US tons
Inventory rating8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2 (+1 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length237 ft (72.2 m)
Longest span107 ft (32.6 m)
Deck width50 ft (15.2 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,750 (2023)
Projected traffic1,925 by 2043
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesRailroad
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerRailroad
Maintained byRailroad
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$233,000
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was Columbus Avenue over Norfolk Southern RR built?

It was built in 1907, making it 118 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1990.

What condition is Columbus Avenue over Norfolk Southern RR 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 2023.

How much traffic does Columbus Avenue over Norfolk Southern RR carry?

About 1,750 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Columbus Avenue over Norfolk Southern RR?

The structure is 237 ft (72.2 m) long with a longest span of 107 ft (32.6 m) and a deck 50 ft wide.

Who owns Columbus Avenue over Norfolk Southern RR?

It is owned by the Railroad.