US Bridges

SR 73 over Maiden Creek

Fair

Berks County, Pennsylvania · Ontelaunee Dam · Structure no. 000000000004610

Built
1935
90 years old, rebuilt 1994
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Arch - Deck
Concrete
Length
544 ft
7 main spans
Daily traffic
6,954
2024 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 73 over Maiden Creek is a concrete arch - deck carrying SR 73 over Maiden Creek in Berks County, Pennsylvania. It was built in 1935 and reconstructed in 1994, so it is 90 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 6,954 vehicles a day, roughly 16% of them trucks, projected to reach 7,164 by 2032. The structure is 544 ft (165.8 m) long and 33 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR 73
CrossesMaiden Creek
LocationOntelaunee Dam
RouteState Highway 73
CountyBerks County
StatePennsylvania
Coordinates40.44679, -75.93185
Functional classUrban Minor 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
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
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 rating110.1 US tons
Inventory rating73 US tons

Structure

Structure typeArch - Deck
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans7
Design loadHS 20
Structure length544 ft (165.8 m)
Longest span73 ft (22.3 m)
Deck width33 ft (10.2 m)
Roadway width22 ft (6.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,954 (2024)
Projected traffic7,164 by 2032
Trucks16%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.1 mi (13 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Maintained byCity or Municipal 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$1.1 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 73 over Maiden Creek built?

It was built in 1935, making it 90 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1994.

What condition is SR 73 over Maiden Creek 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 May 2024.

How much traffic does SR 73 over Maiden Creek carry?

About 6,954 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 16% are trucks.

How long is SR 73 over Maiden Creek?

The structure is 544 ft (165.8 m) long with a longest span of 73 ft (22.3 m) and a deck 33 ft wide.

Who owns SR 73 over Maiden Creek?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.