US Bridges

Legion DR over Trib to Little Swatara

Poor

Berks County, Pennsylvania · East of Bethel N.Of T721 · Structure no. 000000000005336

Built
1950
75 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected September 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
22 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
93
1985 count
Owner
Town / Township
Town or Township Highway Agency

About this bridge

Legion DR over Trib to Little Swatara is a concrete tee beam carrying Legion DR over Trib to Little Swatara in Berks County, Pennsylvania. It was built in 1950, so it is 75 years old, older than the Pennsylvania average of 54.8 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

It carries about 93 vehicles a day, projected to reach 130 by 2005. The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesLegion DR
CrossesTrib to Little Swatara
LocationEast of Bethel N.Of T721
RouteCity Street 0
CountyBerks County
StatePennsylvania
Coordinates40.47763, -76.28582
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionSeptember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating89.9 US tons
Inventory rating54 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length22 ft (6.7 m)
Longest span20 ft (6.1 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.4 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic93 (1985)
Projected traffic130 by 2005
Trucks—
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed0.6 mi (1 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$65,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Legion DR over Trib to Little Swatara built?

It was built in 1950, making it 75 years old in 2025.

What condition is Legion DR over Trib to Little Swatara in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in September 2023.

How much traffic does Legion DR over Trib to Little Swatara carry?

About 93 vehicles per day (1985 count).

How long is Legion DR over Trib to Little Swatara?

The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long with a longest span of 20 ft (6.1 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns Legion DR over Trib to Little Swatara?

It is owned by the Town or Township Highway Agency.