US Bridges

SR 422(LR 793) over Schuylkill River

Poor

Berks County, Pennsylvania · City Line Reading Bypass · Structure no. 000000000004852

Built
1963
62 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected August 2024
Type
Girder and Floorbeam System
Steel Continuous
Length
700 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
59,527
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 422(LR 793) over Schuylkill River is a steel continuous girder and floorbeam system carrying SR 422(LR 793) over Schuylkill River in Berks County, Pennsylvania. It was built in 1963, so it is 62 years old, older than the Pennsylvania average of 54.8 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

It carries about 59,527 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 74,964 by 2032. The structure is 700 ft (213.4 m) long and 66 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.8 mi (11 km).

Location

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CarriesSR 422(LR 793)
CrossesSchuylkill River
LocationCity Line Reading Bypass
RouteU.S. Route 422
CountyBerks County
StatePennsylvania
Coordinates40.31239, -75.91975
Functional classUrban Principal Arterial - Other Freeway or Expressway

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating58 US tons
Inventory rating35.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeGirder and Floorbeam System
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4 (+1 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length700 ft (213.4 m)
Longest span147 ft (44.8 m)
Deck width66 ft (20 m)
Roadway width58 ft (17.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic59,527 (2024)
Projected traffic74,964 by 2032
Trucks9%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.8 mi (11 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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$3.5 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 422(LR 793) over Schuylkill River built?

It was built in 1963, making it 62 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR 422(LR 793) over Schuylkill River in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in August 2024.

How much traffic does SR 422(LR 793) over Schuylkill River carry?

About 59,527 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is SR 422(LR 793) over Schuylkill River?

The structure is 700 ft (213.4 m) long with a longest span of 147 ft (44.8 m) and a deck 66 ft wide.

Who owns SR 422(LR 793) over Schuylkill River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.