US Bridges

Pa 248 (LR163) over Norfolk&southern RR

Fair

Carbon County, Pennsylvania · Bowmanstown Boro Line · Structure no. 000000000009006

Built
1962
63 years old, rebuilt 1979
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
366 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
18,532
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Pa 248 (LR163) over Norfolk&southern RR is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Pa 248 (LR163) over Norfolk&southern RR in Carbon County, Pennsylvania. It was built in 1962 and reconstructed in 1979, so it is 63 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 18,532 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 21,433 by 2032. The structure is 366 ft (111.6 m) long and 66 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

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CarriesPa 248 (LR163)
CrossesNorfolk&southern RR
LocationBowmanstown Boro Line
RouteState Highway 248
CountyCarbon County
StatePennsylvania
Coordinates40.80576, -75.66956
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

Condition and inspection

Fair

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating85 US tons
Inventory rating51 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length366 ft (111.6 m)
Longest span147 ft (44.8 m)
Deck width66 ft (20 m)
Roadway width56 ft (17.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic18,532 (2023)
Projected traffic21,433 by 2032
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRailroad
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was Pa 248 (LR163) over Norfolk&southern RR built?

It was built in 1962, making it 63 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1979.

What condition is Pa 248 (LR163) over Norfolk&southern RR 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 September 2024.

How much traffic does Pa 248 (LR163) over Norfolk&southern RR carry?

About 18,532 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is Pa 248 (LR163) over Norfolk&southern RR?

The structure is 366 ft (111.6 m) long with a longest span of 147 ft (44.8 m) and a deck 66 ft wide.

Who owns Pa 248 (LR163) over Norfolk&southern RR?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.