US Bridges

Spangsville Road over Manatawny Creek

FairPosted for load

Berks County, Pennsylvania · Near Spangsville · Structure no. 000000000005415

Built
1868
157 years old, rebuilt 1971
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Truss - Thru
Wood or Timber
Length
140 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
255
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Spangsville Road over Manatawny Creek is a wood or timber truss - thru carrying Spangsville Road over Manatawny Creek in Berks County, Pennsylvania. It was built in 1868 and reconstructed in 1971, so it is 157 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 255 vehicles a day, projected to reach 262 by 2025. The structure is 140 ft (42.7 m) long and 16 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

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CarriesSpangsville Road
CrossesManatawny Creek
LocationNear Spangsville
RouteCity Street 0
CountyBerks County
StatePennsylvania
Coordinates40.36305, -75.73796
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Operating rating8 US tons
Inventory rating5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length140 ft (42.7 m)
Longest span139 ft (42.4 m)
Deck width16 ft (4.9 m)
Roadway width14 ft (4.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deck11 ft (3.3 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic255 (2022)
Projected traffic262 by 2025
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-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 statusListed on the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$81,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Spangsville Road over Manatawny Creek built?

It was built in 1868, making it 157 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1971.

What condition is Spangsville Road over Manatawny 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 May 2024.

How much traffic does Spangsville Road over Manatawny Creek carry?

About 255 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is Spangsville Road over Manatawny Creek?

The structure is 140 ft (42.7 m) long with a longest span of 139 ft (42.4 m) and a deck 16 ft wide.

Who owns Spangsville Road over Manatawny Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.