US Bridges

SR 78(LR 285 Sp) over Mill Creek

Fair

Berks County, Pennsylvania · 1 Mi.W.Of Lehigh Co.Line · Structure no. 000000000004688

Built
1958
67 years old, rebuilt 2019
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
28 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
38,707
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 78(LR 285 Sp) over Mill Creek is a concrete culvert carrying SR 78(LR 285 Sp) over Mill Creek in Berks County, Pennsylvania. It was built in 1958 and reconstructed in 2019, so it is 67 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 38,707 vehicles a day, roughly 35% of them trucks, projected to reach 50,359 by 2032. The structure is 28 ft (8.5 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 19.3 mi (31 km).

Location

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CarriesSR 78(LR 285 Sp)
CrossesMill Creek
Location1 Mi.W.Of Lehigh Co.Line
RouteInterstate 78
CountyBerks County
StatePennsylvania
Coordinates40.57794, -75.74933
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.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionNovember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating75 US tons
Inventory rating53.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans1
Design loadHL 93
Structure length28 ft (8.5 m)
Longest span28 ft (8.5 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic38,707 (2024)
Projected traffic50,359 by 2032
Trucks35%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed19.3 mi (31 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkInterstate STRAHNET route

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
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 Sp) over Mill Creek built?

It was built in 1958, making it 67 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2019.

What condition is SR 78(LR 285 Sp) over Mill 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 November 2023.

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

About 38,707 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 35% are trucks.

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

The structure is 28 ft (8.5 m) long with a longest span of 28 ft (8.5 m).

Who owns SR 78(LR 285 Sp) over Mill Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.