US Bridges

Salem Road over Little Swatara Creek

Fair

Berks County, Pennsylvania · 1 Mi. SE of Bethel · Structure no. 000000000005328

Built
2006
19 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2024
Type
Arch - Deck
Masonry
Length
55 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,234
2021 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Salem Road over Little Swatara Creek is a masonry arch - deck carrying Salem Road over Little Swatara Creek in Berks County, Pennsylvania. It was built in 2006, so it is 19 years old, younger 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 1,234 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,300 by 2033. The structure is 55 ft (16.8 m) long and 18 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSalem Road
CrossesLittle Swatara Creek
Location1 Mi. SE of Bethel
RouteCity Street 0
CountyBerks County
StatePennsylvania
Coordinates40.46134, -76.28059
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
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionApril 2024
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 geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating73 US tons
Inventory rating43 US tons

Structure

Structure typeArch - Deck
MaterialMasonry
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length55 ft (16.8 m)
Longest span15 ft (4.6 m)
Deck width18 ft (5.6 m)
Roadway width14 ft (4.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,234 (2021)
Projected traffic1,300 by 2033
Trucks2%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$380,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Salem Road over Little Swatara Creek built?

It was built in 2006, making it 19 years old in 2025.

What condition is Salem Road over Little 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 April 2024.

How much traffic does Salem Road over Little Swatara Creek carry?

About 1,234 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 2% are trucks.

How long is Salem Road over Little Swatara Creek?

The structure is 55 ft (16.8 m) long with a longest span of 15 ft (4.6 m) and a deck 18 ft wide.

Who owns Salem Road over Little Swatara Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.