US Bridges

SR501 (PA501) over Trib.Swatara Creek

Fair

Berks County, Pennsylvania · 2 Mi.S.Of Bethel · Structure no. 000000000004878

Built
1928
97 years old, rebuilt 1981
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
25 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
6,200
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR501 (PA501) over Trib.Swatara Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying SR501 (PA501) over Trib.Swatara Creek in Berks County, Pennsylvania. It was built in 1928 and reconstructed in 1981, so it is 97 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 6,200 vehicles a day, roughly 17% of them trucks, projected to reach 8,028 by 2032. The structure is 25 ft (7.6 m) long and 35 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR501 (PA501)
CrossesTrib.Swatara Creek
Location2 Mi.S.Of Bethel
RouteState Highway 501
CountyBerks County
StatePennsylvania
Coordinates40.45741, -76.28859
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
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.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionFebruary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating84 US tons
Inventory rating50 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length25 ft (7.6 m)
Longest span24 ft (7.3 m)
Deck width35 ft (10.8 m)
Roadway width32 ft (9.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,200 (2023)
Projected traffic8,028 by 2032
Trucks17%
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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR501 (PA501) over Trib.Swatara Creek built?

It was built in 1928, making it 97 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1981.

What condition is SR501 (PA501) over Trib.Swatara 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 February 2024.

How much traffic does SR501 (PA501) over Trib.Swatara Creek carry?

About 6,200 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 17% are trucks.

How long is SR501 (PA501) over Trib.Swatara Creek?

The structure is 25 ft (7.6 m) long with a longest span of 24 ft (7.3 m) and a deck 35 ft wide.

Who owns SR501 (PA501) over Trib.Swatara Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.