US Bridges

Forge Hill Road over Moselem Creek

PoorPosted for load

Berks County, Pennsylvania · Moselem Furnace Bridge · Structure no. 000000000005439

Built
1921
104 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected July 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
46 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
649
2023 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Forge Hill Road over Moselem Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying Forge Hill Road over Moselem Creek in Berks County, Pennsylvania. It was built in 1921, so it is 104 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 649 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,967 by 2043. The structure is 46 ft (14 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

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CarriesForge Hill Road
CrossesMoselem Creek
LocationMoselem Furnace Bridge
CountyBerks County
StatePennsylvania
Coordinates40.50279, -75.87943
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating46 US tons
Inventory rating28 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length46 ft (14 m)
Longest span43 ft (13.1 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.5 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic649 (2023)
Projected traffic1,967 by 2043
Trucks2%
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 statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$55,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Forge Hill Road over Moselem Creek built?

It was built in 1921, making it 104 years old in 2025.

What condition is Forge Hill Road over Moselem 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 July 2024.

How much traffic does Forge Hill Road over Moselem Creek carry?

About 649 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 2% are trucks.

How long is Forge Hill Road over Moselem Creek?

The structure is 46 ft (14 m) long with a longest span of 43 ft (13.1 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns Forge Hill Road over Moselem Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.