US Bridges

SR 78(LR 285) over Furnace Creek

Fair

Berks County, Pennsylvania · .75 M.W. Lenhartsville · Structure no. 000000000004676

Built
1957
68 years old, rebuilt 1985
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
23 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
37,008
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 78(LR 285) over Furnace Creek is a concrete culvert carrying SR 78(LR 285) over Furnace Creek in Berks County, Pennsylvania. It was built in 1957 and reconstructed in 1985, so it is 68 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 37,008 vehicles a day, roughly 41% of them trucks, projected to reach 50,359 by 2032. The structure is 23 ft (7 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 9.9 mi (16 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR 78(LR 285)
CrossesFurnace Creek
Location.75 M.W. Lenhartsville
RouteInterstate 78
CountyBerks County
StatePennsylvania
Coordinates40.57815, -75.90142
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Interstate

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionMay 2023
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
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating74 US tons
Inventory rating44 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length23 ft (7 m)
Longest span23 ft (7 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic37,008 (2024)
Projected traffic50,359 by 2032
Trucks41%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed9.9 mi (16 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkInterstate STRAHNET route

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byPrivate (other than railroad)
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 78(LR 285) over Furnace Creek built?

It was built in 1957, making it 68 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1985.

What condition is SR 78(LR 285) 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 May 2023.

How much traffic does SR 78(LR 285) over Furnace Creek carry?

About 37,008 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 41% are trucks.

How long is SR 78(LR 285) over Furnace Creek?

The structure is 23 ft (7 m) long with a longest span of 23 ft (7 m).

Who owns SR 78(LR 285) over Furnace Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency and maintained by the Private (other than railroad).