US Bridges

Gravel Pit Road over Swatara Creek

Fair

Berks County, Pennsylvania · N. of Rehrersburg · Structure no. 000000000005327

Built
1930
95 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
24 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
184
1985 count
Owner
Town / Township
Town or Township Highway Agency

About this bridge

Gravel Pit Road over Swatara Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Gravel Pit Road over Swatara Creek in Berks County, Pennsylvania. It was built in 1930, so it is 95 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 184 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 500 by 2030. The structure is 24 ft (7.3 m) long and 23 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesGravel Pit Road
CrossesSwatara Creek
LocationN. of Rehrersburg
RouteCity Street 0
CountyBerks County
StatePennsylvania
Coordinates40.47609, -76.25199
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourCountermeasures installed to correct a previously existing problem
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 adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating75.9 US tons
Inventory rating46 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length24 ft (7.3 m)
Longest span22 ft (6.7 m)
Deck width23 ft (6.9 m)
Roadway width21 ft (6.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic184 (1985)
Projected traffic500 by 2030
Trucks1%
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 statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$122,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Gravel Pit Road over Swatara Creek built?

It was built in 1930, making it 95 years old in 2025.

What condition is Gravel Pit Road over 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 August 2023.

How much traffic does Gravel Pit Road over Swatara Creek carry?

About 184 vehicles per day (1985 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is Gravel Pit Road over Swatara Creek?

The structure is 24 ft (7.3 m) long with a longest span of 22 ft (6.7 m) and a deck 23 ft wide.

Who owns Gravel Pit Road over Swatara Creek?

It is owned by the Town or Township Highway Agency.