US Bridges

Pottstown By-Pass over Laurelwood Road (local)

Fair

Chester County, Pennsylvania · Pottstown 02D11 · Structure no. 000000000010235

Built
1966
59 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
37 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
34,699
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Pottstown By-Pass over Laurelwood Road (local) is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Pottstown By-Pass over Laurelwood Road (local) in Chester County, Pennsylvania. It was built in 1966, so it is 59 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 34,699 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 43,542 by 2032. The structure is 37 ft (11.3 m) long and 95 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 14.3 mi (23 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesPottstown By-Pass
CrossesLaurelwood Road (local)
LocationPottstown 02D11
RouteU.S. Route 422
CountyChester County
StatePennsylvania
Coordinates40.2402, -75.66164
Functional classUrban Principal Arterial - Other Freeway or Expressway

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 inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating57 US tons
Inventory rating31 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length37 ft (11.3 m)
Longest span36 ft (11 m)
Deck width95 ft (29 m)
Roadway width88 ft (26.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic34,699 (2024)
Projected traffic43,542 by 2032
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed14.3 mi (23 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 Pottstown By-Pass over Laurelwood Road (local) built?

It was built in 1966, making it 59 years old in 2025.

What condition is Pottstown By-Pass over Laurelwood Road (local) 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 July 2023.

How much traffic does Pottstown By-Pass over Laurelwood Road (local) carry?

About 34,699 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is Pottstown By-Pass over Laurelwood Road (local)?

The structure is 37 ft (11.3 m) long with a longest span of 36 ft (11 m) and a deck 95 ft wide.

Who owns Pottstown By-Pass over Laurelwood Road (local)?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.