US Bridges

Pa Tpk (I-76) over Valley Creek

Fair

Chester County, Pennsylvania · West of Valley Forge Park · Structure no. 000000000010758

Built
1950
75 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
57 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
47,120
2004 count
Owner
Toll Authority
State Toll Authority

About this bridge

Pa Tpk (I-76) over Valley Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Pa Tpk (I-76) over Valley Creek in Chester County, Pennsylvania. It was built in 1950, so it is 75 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 47,120 vehicles a day, roughly 18% of them trucks, projected to reach 56,710 by 2030. The structure is 57 ft (17.4 m) long and 73 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

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CarriesPa Tpk (I-76)
CrossesValley Creek
LocationWest of Valley Forge Park
RouteInterstate 76
CountyChester County
StatePennsylvania
Coordinates40.07955, -75.46054
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Interstate

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.
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 protection4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating78 US tons
Inventory rating47 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length57 ft (17.4 m)
Longest span57 ft (17.4 m)
Deck width73 ft (22.3 m)
Roadway width68 ft (20.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic47,120 (2004)
Projected traffic56,710 by 2030
Trucks18%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 km)
TollOn a toll road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkInterstate STRAHNET route

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Toll Authority
Maintained byState Toll Authority
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$699,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Pa Tpk (I-76) over Valley Creek built?

It was built in 1950, making it 75 years old in 2025.

What condition is Pa Tpk (I-76) over Valley Creek 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 Tpk (I-76) over Valley Creek carry?

About 47,120 vehicles per day (2004 count), of which roughly 18% are trucks.

How long is Pa Tpk (I-76) over Valley Creek?

The structure is 57 ft (17.4 m) long with a longest span of 57 ft (17.4 m) and a deck 73 ft wide.

Who owns Pa Tpk (I-76) over Valley Creek?

It is owned by the State Toll Authority.