US Bridges

T-478 over Pa Tpk (I-76)

Fair

Bedford County, Pennsylvania · Near Bedford · Structure no. 000000000004425

Built
1939
86 years old, rebuilt 1988
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Girder and Floorbeam System
Steel
Length
91 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
200
1992 count
Owner
Toll Authority
State Toll Authority

About this bridge

T-478 over Pa Tpk (I-76) is a steel girder and floorbeam system carrying T-478 over Pa Tpk (I-76) in Bedford County, Pennsylvania. It was built in 1939 and reconstructed in 1988, so it is 86 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 6 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 200 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 315 by 2030. The structure is 91 ft (27.7 m) long and 25 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesT-478
CrossesPa Tpk (I-76)
LocationNear Bedford
RouteCity Street 0
CountyBedford County
StatePennsylvania
Coordinates40.03835, -78.50187
Functional classRural 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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating57 US tons
Inventory rating34 US tons

Structure

Structure typeGirder and Floorbeam System
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length91 ft (27.7 m)
Longest span87 ft (26.5 m)
Deck width25 ft (7.7 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic200 (1992)
Projected traffic315 by 2030
Trucks9%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

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—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was T-478 over Pa Tpk (I-76) built?

It was built in 1939, making it 86 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1988.

What condition is T-478 over Pa Tpk (I-76) 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 September 2024.

How much traffic does T-478 over Pa Tpk (I-76) carry?

About 200 vehicles per day (1992 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is T-478 over Pa Tpk (I-76)?

The structure is 91 ft (27.7 m) long with a longest span of 87 ft (26.5 m) and a deck 25 ft wide.

Who owns T-478 over Pa Tpk (I-76)?

It is owned by the State Toll Authority.