US Bridges

Ironstone Drive over Ironstone Creek

FairPosted for load

Berks County, Pennsylvania · Gablesville Bridge · Structure no. 000000000005300

Built
1909
116 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Arch - Deck
Concrete
Length
49 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
100
2010 count
Owner
Town / Township
Town or Township Highway Agency

About this bridge

Ironstone Drive over Ironstone Creek is a concrete arch - deck carrying Ironstone Drive over Ironstone Creek in Berks County, Pennsylvania. It was built in 1909, so it is 116 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 100 vehicles a day, projected to reach 100 by 2020. The structure is 49 ft (14.9 m) long and 22 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesIronstone Drive
CrossesIronstone Creek
LocationGablesville Bridge
RouteCity Street 0
CountyBerks County
StatePennsylvania
Coordinates40.33289, -75.64984
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Fair

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load 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 geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating54 US tons
Inventory rating32 US tons

Structure

Structure typeArch - Deck
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length49 ft (14.9 m)
Longest span49 ft (14.9 m)
Deck width22 ft (6.7 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic100 (2010)
Projected traffic100 by 2020
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerTown or Township Highway Agency
Maintained byTown or Township Highway Agency
Historic statusEligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$129,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Ironstone Drive over Ironstone Creek built?

It was built in 1909, making it 116 years old in 2025.

What condition is Ironstone Drive over Ironstone 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 2024.

How much traffic does Ironstone Drive over Ironstone Creek carry?

About 100 vehicles per day (2010 count).

How long is Ironstone Drive over Ironstone Creek?

The structure is 49 ft (14.9 m) long with a longest span of 49 ft (14.9 m) and a deck 22 ft wide.

Who owns Ironstone Drive over Ironstone Creek?

It is owned by the Town or Township Highway Agency.