US Bridges

US 422(LR 793) over Norfolk/Southern RR

Fair

Berks County, Pennsylvania · Reading Bypass · Structure no. 000000000004858

Built
1963
62 years old, rebuilt 1988
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
161 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
44,281
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 422(LR 793) over Norfolk/Southern RR is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 422(LR 793) over Norfolk/Southern RR in Berks County, Pennsylvania. It was built in 1963 and reconstructed in 1988, 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 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 44,281 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 60,028 by 2032. The structure is 161 ft (49.1 m) long and 72 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 422(LR 793)
CrossesNorfolk/Southern RR
LocationReading Bypass
RouteU.S. Route 422
CountyBerks County
StatePennsylvania
Coordinates40.30521, -75.88924
Functional classUrban Principal Arterial - Other Freeway or Expressway

Condition and inspection

Fair

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating75 US tons
Inventory rating45 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length161 ft (49.1 m)
Longest span58 ft (17.7 m)
Deck width72 ft (21.8 m)
Roadway width65 ft (19.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic44,281 (2023)
Projected traffic60,028 by 2032
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRailroad
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was US 422(LR 793) over Norfolk/Southern RR built?

It was built in 1963, making it 62 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1988.

What condition is US 422(LR 793) over Norfolk/Southern RR 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 August 2024.

How much traffic does US 422(LR 793) over Norfolk/Southern RR carry?

About 44,281 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is US 422(LR 793) over Norfolk/Southern RR?

The structure is 161 ft (49.1 m) long with a longest span of 58 ft (17.7 m) and a deck 72 ft wide.

Who owns US 422(LR 793) over Norfolk/Southern RR?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.