US Bridges

Pa 73 (lr 197) over Furnace Creek

Fair

Berks County, Pennsylvania · West Philadelphia Ave · Structure no. 000000000004620

Built
1950
75 years old, rebuilt 2017
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2023
Type
Box Beam or Girders - Multiple
Prestressed Concrete
Length
66 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
8,798
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Pa 73 (lr 197) over Furnace Creek is a prestressed concrete box beam or girders - multiple carrying Pa 73 (lr 197) over Furnace Creek in Berks County, Pennsylvania. It was built in 1950 and reconstructed in 2017, so it is 75 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 8,798 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 9,649 by 2032. The structure is 66 ft (20.1 m) long and 34 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesPa 73 (lr 197)
CrossesFurnace Creek
LocationWest Philadelphia Ave
RouteState Highway 73
CountyBerks County
StatePennsylvania
Coordinates40.38477, -75.77009
Functional classRural 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
Deck8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
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 inspectionSeptember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating50 US tons
Inventory rating38.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeBox Beam or Girders - Multiple
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHL 93
Structure length66 ft (20.1 m)
Longest span62 ft (18.9 m)
Deck width34 ft (10.5 m)
Roadway width32 ft (9.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic8,798 (2024)
Projected traffic9,649 by 2032
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 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$183,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Pa 73 (lr 197) over Furnace Creek built?

It was built in 1950, making it 75 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2017.

What condition is Pa 73 (lr 197) over Furnace 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 September 2023.

How much traffic does Pa 73 (lr 197) over Furnace Creek carry?

About 8,798 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is Pa 73 (lr 197) over Furnace Creek?

The structure is 66 ft (20.1 m) long with a longest span of 62 ft (18.9 m) and a deck 34 ft wide.

Who owns Pa 73 (lr 197) over Furnace Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.