US Bridges

Pa Tpk (I-476) over Molasses Creek

Fair

Bucks County, Pennsylvania · S of Quakertown Interch. · Structure no. 000000000007706

Built
1955
70 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
27 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
50,307
2004 count
Owner
Toll Authority
State Toll Authority

About this bridge

Pa Tpk (I-476) over Molasses Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying Pa Tpk (I-476) over Molasses Creek in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. It was built in 1955, so it is 70 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 6 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

It carries about 50,307 vehicles a day, roughly 15% of them trucks, projected to reach 78,780 by 2030. The structure is 27 ft (8.2 m) long and 83 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesPa Tpk (I-476)
CrossesMolasses Creek
LocationS of Quakertown Interch.
RouteInterstate 476
CountyBucks County
StatePennsylvania
Coordinates40.42918, -75.41945
Functional classUrban Principal Arterial - Interstate

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating47 US tons
Inventory rating28 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length27 ft (8.2 m)
Longest span27 ft (8.2 m)
Deck width83 ft (25.3 m)
Roadway width69 ft (21 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic50,307 (2004)
Projected traffic78,780 by 2030
Trucks15%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.1 mi (13 km)
TollOn a toll road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkInterstate STRAHNET route

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Toll Authority
Maintained byState Toll Authority
Historic statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Pa Tpk (I-476) over Molasses Creek built?

It was built in 1955, making it 70 years old in 2025.

What condition is Pa Tpk (I-476) over Molasses 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 October 2023.

How much traffic does Pa Tpk (I-476) over Molasses Creek carry?

About 50,307 vehicles per day (2004 count), of which roughly 15% are trucks.

How long is Pa Tpk (I-476) over Molasses Creek?

The structure is 27 ft (8.2 m) long with a longest span of 27 ft (8.2 m) and a deck 83 ft wide.

Who owns Pa Tpk (I-476) over Molasses Creek?

It is owned by the State Toll Authority.