US Bridges

Pa 53 over Little Conemaugh River

Fair

Cambria County, Pennsylvania · 0.9 Mile North of TR 219 · Structure no. 000000000008367

Built
1965
60 years old, rebuilt 2011
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
151 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
3,559
2023 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 1965 and reconstructed in 2011, so it is 60 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 5 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 3,559 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,658 by 2032. The structure is 151 ft (46 m) long and 46 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
Location0.9 Mile North of TR 219
RouteState Highway 53
CountyCambria County
StatePennsylvania
Coordinates40.37495, -78.7564
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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating92 US tons
Inventory rating20 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length151 ft (46 m)
Longest span74 ft (22.6 m)
Deck width46 ft (13.9 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,559 (2023)
Projected traffic4,658 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$1.9 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Pa 53 over Little Conemaugh River built?

It was built in 1965, making it 60 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2011.

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 August 2024.

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

About 3,559 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is Pa 53 over Little Conemaugh River?

The structure is 151 ft (46 m) long with a longest span of 74 ft (22.6 m) and a deck 46 ft wide.

Who owns Pa 53 over Little Conemaugh River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.