US Bridges

SR 61 (lr 160) over Reading/Northern RR

Fair

Berks County, Pennsylvania · Hamburg Borough · Structure no. 000000000004602

Built
1954
71 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
115 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
22,738
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 61 (lr 160) over Reading/Northern RR is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR 61 (lr 160) over Reading/Northern RR in Berks County, Pennsylvania. It was built in 1954, so it is 71 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 22,738 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 28,616 by 2035. The structure is 115 ft (35.1 m) long and 72 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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CarriesSR 61 (lr 160)
CrossesReading/Northern RR
LocationHamburg Borough
RouteState Highway 61
CountyBerks County
StatePennsylvania
Coordinates40.54394, -75.98044
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionNovember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating57 US tons
Inventory rating34 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length115 ft (35.1 m)
Longest span112 ft (34.1 m)
Deck width72 ft (21.9 m)
Roadway width68 ft (20.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic22,738 (2024)
Projected traffic28,616 by 2035
Trucks12%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRailroad
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$828,000
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 61 (lr 160) over Reading/Northern RR built?

It was built in 1954, making it 71 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR 61 (lr 160) over Reading/Northern 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 November 2023.

How much traffic does SR 61 (lr 160) over Reading/Northern RR carry?

About 22,738 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is SR 61 (lr 160) over Reading/Northern RR?

The structure is 115 ft (35.1 m) long with a longest span of 112 ft (34.1 m) and a deck 72 ft wide.

Who owns SR 61 (lr 160) over Reading/Northern RR?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.