US Bridges

Pottstown By-Pass over Pottstown Pike

Fair

Chester County, Pennsylvania · South Pottstown 2D12 · Structure no. 000000000010236

Built
1966
59 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
110 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
65,464
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Pottstown By-Pass over Pottstown Pike is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Pottstown By-Pass over Pottstown Pike 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 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 65,464 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 63,942 by 2032. The structure is 110 ft (33.5 m) long and 106 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesPottstown By-Pass
CrossesPottstown Pike
LocationSouth Pottstown 2D12
RouteU.S. Route 422
CountyChester County
StatePennsylvania
Coordinates40.23937, -75.65885
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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
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 geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating75.9 US tons
Inventory rating23 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length110 ft (33.5 m)
Longest span106 ft (32.3 m)
Deck width106 ft (32.2 m)
Roadway width96 ft (29.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic65,464 (2024)
Projected traffic63,942 by 2032
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure3
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 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$1.2 million
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was Pottstown By-Pass over Pottstown Pike built?

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

What condition is Pottstown By-Pass over Pottstown Pike 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 Pottstown Pike carry?

About 65,464 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is Pottstown By-Pass over Pottstown Pike?

The structure is 110 ft (33.5 m) long with a longest span of 106 ft (32.3 m) and a deck 106 ft wide.

Who owns Pottstown By-Pass over Pottstown Pike?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.