US Bridges

Nj Rt 73 over Delaware River

Fair

Armstrong County, Pennsylvania · 2.0 MI NW JCT US Rt 130 · Structure no. 000000000039272

Built
1929
96 years old, rebuilt 1998
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Movable - Bascule
Steel
Length
3,660 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
42,270
2007 count
Owner
Toll Authority
Local Toll Authority

About this bridge

Nj Rt 73 over Delaware River is a steel movable - bascule carrying Nj Rt 73 over Delaware River in Armstrong County, Pennsylvania. It was built in 1929 and reconstructed in 1998, so it is 96 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.

It carries about 42,270 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 76,200 by 2025. The structure is 3,660 ft (1,115.6 m) long and 53 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNj Rt 73
CrossesDelaware River
Location2.0 MI NW JCT US Rt 130
RouteState Highway 73
CountyArmstrong County
StatePennsylvania
Coordinates40.01194, -75.04305
Functional classUrban Other Principal Arterial

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.
Channel and channel protection9 ExcellentNo problems noted.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating51 US tons
Inventory rating38 US tons

Structure

Structure typeMovable - Bascule
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2 (+28 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length3,660 ft (1,115.6 m)
Longest span551 ft (167.9 m)
Deck width53 ft (16.3 m)
Roadway width38 ft (11.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deck21 ft (6.3 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic42,270 (2007)
Projected traffic76,200 by 2025
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure3
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesHighway and waterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 km)
TollToll bridge
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerLocal Toll Authority
Maintained byLocal Toll Authority
Historic statusEligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$75.4 million
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was Nj Rt 73 over Delaware River built?

It was built in 1929, making it 96 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1998.

What condition is Nj Rt 73 over Delaware River 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 2024.

How much traffic does Nj Rt 73 over Delaware River carry?

About 42,270 vehicles per day (2007 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is Nj Rt 73 over Delaware River?

The structure is 3,660 ft (1,115.6 m) long with a longest span of 551 ft (167.9 m) and a deck 53 ft wide.

Who owns Nj Rt 73 over Delaware River?

It is owned by the Local Toll Authority.