US Bridges

River Road over Laurel Run

PoorPosted for load

Berks County, Pennsylvania · Muhlenberg Park · Structure no. 000000000047971

Built
1832
193 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected April 2024
Type
Culvert
Masonry
Length
24 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
500
2013 count
Owner
Town / Township
Town or Township Highway Agency

About this bridge

River Road over Laurel Run is a masonry culvert carrying River Road over Laurel Run in Berks County, Pennsylvania. It was built in 1832, so it is 193 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 2 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 500 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 600 by 2023. The structure is 24 ft (7.3 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRiver Road
CrossesLaurel Run
LocationMuhlenberg Park
RouteCity Street 0
CountyBerks County
StatePennsylvania
Coordinates40.37988, -75.94993
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
Channel and channel protection4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Culvert2 CriticalAdvanced deterioration of primary structural elements. Bridge may be closed until corrective action is taken.
Last inspectionApril 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourScour critical; extensive scour has occurred
Structural evaluation2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating29 US tons
Inventory rating17 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialMasonry
DeckNot applicable
Main spans1
Design loadH 10
Structure length24 ft (7.3 m)
Longest span24 ft (7.3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic500 (2013)
Projected traffic600 by 2023
Trucks1%
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

OwnerTown or Township Highway Agency
Maintained byTown or Township Highway Agency
Historic statusEligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was River Road over Laurel Run built?

It was built in 1832, making it 193 years old in 2025.

What condition is River Road over Laurel Run 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 April 2024.

How much traffic does River Road over Laurel Run carry?

About 500 vehicles per day (2013 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is River Road over Laurel Run?

The structure is 24 ft (7.3 m) long with a longest span of 24 ft (7.3 m).

Who owns River Road over Laurel Run?

It is owned by the Town or Township Highway Agency.