US Bridges

Pa 53 over Little Conemaugh River

Fair

Cambria County, Pennsylvania · 0.3 Mile North of TR 219 · Structure no. 000000000008365

Built
1990
35 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
159 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
5,090
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Pa 53 over Little Conemaugh River is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Pa 53 over Little Conemaugh River in Cambria County, Pennsylvania. It was built in 1990, so it is 35 years old, younger 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 5,090 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 7,141 by 2032. The structure is 159 ft (48.5 m) long and 44 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.8 mi (11 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesPa 53
CrossesLittle Conemaugh River
Location0.3 Mile North of TR 219
RouteState Highway 53
CountyCambria County
StatePennsylvania
Coordinates40.37198, -78.76581
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Fair

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating99 US tons
Inventory rating63.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 25 or greater
Structure length159 ft (48.5 m)
Longest span152 ft (46.3 m)
Deck width44 ft (13.3 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,090 (2024)
Projected traffic7,141 by 2032
Trucks9%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.8 mi (11 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState 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—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Pa 53 over Little Conemaugh River built?

It was built in 1990, making it 35 years old in 2025.

What condition is Pa 53 over Little Conemaugh River 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 May 2023.

How much traffic does Pa 53 over Little Conemaugh River carry?

About 5,090 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is Pa 53 over Little Conemaugh River?

The structure is 159 ft (48.5 m) long with a longest span of 152 ft (46.3 m) and a deck 44 ft wide.

Who owns Pa 53 over Little Conemaugh River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.