Scharff Road over Tulpehocken Creek
PoorPosted for loadBerks County, Pennsylvania · 2 Mi.W.Of Womelsdorf · Structure no. 000000000005396
- Built
- 1902
- 123 years old, rebuilt 1956
- Condition
- Poor
- inspected April 2024
- Type
- Arch - Deck
- Concrete
- Length
- 82 ft
- 3 main spans
- Daily traffic
- 280
- 2021 count
- Owner
- County
- County Highway Agency
About this bridge
Scharff Road over Tulpehocken Creek is a concrete arch - deck carrying Scharff Road over Tulpehocken Creek in Berks County, Pennsylvania. It was built in 1902 and reconstructed in 1956, so it is 123 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.
It carries about 280 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 300 by 2035. The structure is 82 ft (25 m) long and 23 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).
Location
Open in Google MapsCondition and inspection
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.
| Component | Rating | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Superstructure | 5 Fair | All primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour. |
| Substructure | 4 Poor | Advanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour. |
| Channel and channel protection | 4 Poor | Advanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour. |
Structure
Traffic and service
Ownership and planned work
Frequently asked questions
When was Scharff Road over Tulpehocken Creek built?
It was built in 1902, making it 123 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1956.
What condition is Scharff Road over Tulpehocken Creek 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 April 2024.
How much traffic does Scharff Road over Tulpehocken Creek carry?
About 280 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.
How long is Scharff Road over Tulpehocken Creek?
The structure is 82 ft (25 m) long with a longest span of 25 ft (7.6 m) and a deck 23 ft wide.
Who owns Scharff Road over Tulpehocken Creek?
It is owned by the County Highway Agency.