US Bridges

Canal Road over Tulpehocken Creek

PoorPosted for load

Berks County, Pennsylvania · 1 MI N.Of Womelsdorf · Structure no. 000000000005397

Built
1900
125 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected March 2022
Type
Arch - Deck
Masonry
Length
68 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
33
2017 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Canal Road over Tulpehocken Creek is a masonry arch - deck carrying Canal Road over Tulpehocken Creek in Berks County, Pennsylvania. It was built in 1900, so it is 125 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 33 vehicles a day, projected to reach 53 by 2033. The structure is 68 ft (20.7 m) long and 24 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCanal Road
CrossesTulpehocken Creek
Location1 MI N.Of Womelsdorf
CountyBerks County
StatePennsylvania
Coordinates40.37559, -76.19073
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
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
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 inspectionMarch 2022
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
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 rating13 US tons
Inventory rating8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeArch - Deck
MaterialMasonry
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length68 ft (20.7 m)
Longest span20 ft (6.1 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.3 m)
Roadway width22 ft (6.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic33 (2017)
Projected traffic53 by 2033
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$64,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Canal Road over Tulpehocken Creek built?

It was built in 1900, making it 125 years old in 2025.

What condition is Canal 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 March 2022.

How much traffic does Canal Road over Tulpehocken Creek carry?

About 33 vehicles per day (2017 count).

How long is Canal Road over Tulpehocken Creek?

The structure is 68 ft (20.7 m) long with a longest span of 20 ft (6.1 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns Canal Road over Tulpehocken Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.