US Bridges

SR 879-PA 879 over W Br Susquehanna River

Fair

Centre County, Pennsylvania · Karthaus · Structure no. 000000000009562

Built
1937
88 years old, rebuilt 1977
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel
Length
410 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
934
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 879-PA 879 over W Br Susquehanna River is a steel truss - thru carrying SR 879-PA 879 over W Br Susquehanna River in Centre County, Pennsylvania. It was built in 1937 and reconstructed in 1977, so it is 88 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 934 vehicles a day, roughly 13% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,055 by 2043. The structure is 410 ft (125 m) long and 25 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 34.8 mi (56 km).

Location

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CarriesSR 879-PA 879
CrossesW Br Susquehanna River
LocationKarthaus
RouteState Highway 879
CountyCentre County
StatePennsylvania
Coordinates41.1171, -78.10927
Functional classRural Major Collector

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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMay 2023
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 geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating58 US tons
Inventory rating35.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadH 20
Structure length410 ft (125 m)
Longest span202 ft (61.6 m)
Deck width25 ft (7.6 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deck15 ft (4.5 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic934 (2024)
Projected traffic1,055 by 2043
Trucks13%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed34.8 mi (56 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$957,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 879-PA 879 over W Br Susquehanna River built?

It was built in 1937, making it 88 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1977.

What condition is SR 879-PA 879 over W Br Susquehanna 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 SR 879-PA 879 over W Br Susquehanna River carry?

About 934 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 13% are trucks.

How long is SR 879-PA 879 over W Br Susquehanna River?

The structure is 410 ft (125 m) long with a longest span of 202 ft (61.6 m) and a deck 25 ft wide.

Who owns SR 879-PA 879 over W Br Susquehanna River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.