US Bridges

8th Avenue over Shalter Avenue Floodway

Poor

Berks County, Pennsylvania · 8th Ave and Shalter Ave. · Structure no. 000000000005506

Built
1935
90 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected August 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
47 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
200
2012 count
Owner
Town / Township
Town or Township Highway Agency

About this bridge

8th Avenue over Shalter Avenue Floodway is a concrete continuous slab carrying 8th Avenue over Shalter Avenue Floodway 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.

It carries about 200 vehicles a day, projected to reach 250 by 2022. The structure is 47 ft (14.3 m) long and 44 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
Carries8th Avenue
CrossesShalter Avenue Floodway
Location8th Ave and Shalter Ave.
RouteCity Street 0
CountyBerks County
StatePennsylvania
Coordinates40.40657, -75.9213
Functional classUrban 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
Deck4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating39 US tons
Inventory rating23 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadUnknown
Structure length47 ft (14.3 m)
Longest span11 ft (3.4 m)
Deck width44 ft (13.4 m)
Roadway width34 ft (10.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic200 (2012)
Projected traffic250 by 2022
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
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$86,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was 8th Avenue over Shalter Avenue Floodway built?

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

What condition is 8th Avenue over Shalter Avenue Floodway 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 August 2024.

How much traffic does 8th Avenue over Shalter Avenue Floodway carry?

About 200 vehicles per day (2012 count).

How long is 8th Avenue over Shalter Avenue Floodway?

The structure is 47 ft (14.3 m) long with a longest span of 11 ft (3.4 m) and a deck 44 ft wide.

Who owns 8th Avenue over Shalter Avenue Floodway?

It is owned by the Town or Township Highway Agency.