US Bridges

SR 73 (lr 06121) over Willow Creek

Fair

Berks County, Pennsylvania · 1 Mi.N.Of Blandon · Structure no. 000000000004612

Built
1927
98 years old, rebuilt 1973
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
80 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
6,196
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 73 (lr 06121) over Willow Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying SR 73 (lr 06121) over Willow Creek in Berks County, Pennsylvania. It was built in 1927 and reconstructed in 1973, so it is 98 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 6,196 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 11,699 by 2032. The structure is 80 ft (24.4 m) long and 43 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR 73 (lr 06121)
CrossesWillow Creek
Location1 Mi.N.Of Blandon
RouteState Highway 73
CountyBerks County
StatePennsylvania
Coordinates40.44725, -75.89655
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionApril 2023
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 geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating49.1 US tons
Inventory rating22 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length80 ft (24.4 m)
Longest span37 ft (11.3 m)
Deck width43 ft (13.1 m)
Roadway width39 ft (12 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,196 (2024)
Projected traffic11,699 by 2032
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

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$133,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 73 (lr 06121) over Willow Creek built?

It was built in 1927, making it 98 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1973.

What condition is SR 73 (lr 06121) over Willow 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 April 2023.

How much traffic does SR 73 (lr 06121) over Willow Creek carry?

About 6,196 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is SR 73 (lr 06121) over Willow Creek?

The structure is 80 ft (24.4 m) long with a longest span of 37 ft (11.3 m) and a deck 43 ft wide.

Who owns SR 73 (lr 06121) over Willow Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.