US Bridges

Pa 248 (lr 163) over Norfolk Southern

Fair

Carbon County, Pennsylvania · 0.5 Mi.S.Of Palmerton · Structure no. 000000000009010

Built
1962
63 years old, rebuilt 2019
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
80 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
25,764
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Pa 248 (lr 163) over Norfolk Southern is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Pa 248 (lr 163) over Norfolk Southern in Carbon County, Pennsylvania. It was built in 1962 and reconstructed in 2019, 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 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 25,764 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 30,432 by 2032. The structure is 80 ft (24.4 m) long and 72 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 16.8 mi (27 km).

Location

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CarriesPa 248 (lr 163)
CrossesNorfolk Southern
Location0.5 Mi.S.Of Palmerton
RouteState Highway 248
CountyCarbon County
StatePennsylvania
Coordinates40.79567, -75.61683
Functional classUrban Other Principal 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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating110.1 US tons
Inventory rating69 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length80 ft (24.4 m)
Longest span78 ft (23.8 m)
Deck width72 ft (21.8 m)
Roadway width66 ft (20.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic25,764 (2024)
Projected traffic30,432 by 2032
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRailroad
Detour if closed16.8 mi (27 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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$240,000
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was Pa 248 (lr 163) over Norfolk Southern built?

It was built in 1962, making it 63 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2019.

What condition is Pa 248 (lr 163) over Norfolk Southern 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 2024.

How much traffic does Pa 248 (lr 163) over Norfolk Southern carry?

About 25,764 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Pa 248 (lr 163) over Norfolk Southern?

The structure is 80 ft (24.4 m) long with a longest span of 78 ft (23.8 m) and a deck 72 ft wide.

Who owns Pa 248 (lr 163) over Norfolk Southern?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.