US Bridges

Old River Road over Allegheny Creek

PoorPosted for load

Berks County, Pennsylvania · NW of Gibraltar · Structure no. 000000000005446

Built
1935
90 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected March 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
56 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
300
2010 count
Owner
Town / Township
Town or Township Highway Agency

About this bridge

Old River Road over Allegheny Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Old River Road over Allegheny Creek in Berks County, Pennsylvania. It was built in 1935, so it is 90 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 300 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 320 by 2020. The structure is 56 ft (17.1 m) long and 24 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

CarriesOld River Road
CrossesAllegheny Creek
LocationNW of Gibraltar
RouteCity Street 0
Coordinates40.28803, -75.8756
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 protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionMarch 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 adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Operating rating27 US tons
Inventory rating16 US tons

Structure

MaterialSteel
DeckOpen grating
Main spans2
Design loadH 20
Structure length56 ft (17.1 m)
Longest span28 ft (8.5 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.3 m)
Roadway width21 ft (6.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic300 (2010)
Projected traffic320 by 2020
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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$110,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Old River Road over Allegheny Creek built?

It was built in 1935, making it 90 years old in 2025.

What condition is Old River Road over Allegheny 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 2024.

How much traffic does Old River Road over Allegheny Creek carry?

About 300 vehicles per day (2010 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is Old River Road over Allegheny Creek?

The structure is 56 ft (17.1 m) long with a longest span of 28 ft (8.5 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns Old River Road over Allegheny Creek?

It is owned by the Town or Township Highway Agency.