US Bridges

SR 42 over N.B. Susquehanna River

Fair

Columbia County, Pennsylvania · Catawissa River Bridge · Structure no. 000000000012463

Built
1986
39 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
1,378 ft
8 main spans
Daily traffic
7,220
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 42 over N.B. Susquehanna River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR 42 over N.B. Susquehanna River in Columbia County, Pennsylvania. It was built in 1986, so it is 39 years old, younger 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 7,220 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 9,935 by 2032. The structure is 1,378 ft (420 m) long and 46 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 9.9 mi (16 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR 42
CrossesN.B. Susquehanna River
LocationCatawissa River Bridge
RouteState Highway 42
CountyColumbia County
StatePennsylvania
Coordinates40.95353, -76.46611
Functional classUrban Minor 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.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating78 US tons
Inventory rating46 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans8
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length1,378 ft (420 m)
Longest span171 ft (52.1 m)
Deck width46 ft (13.9 m)
Roadway width36 ft (11 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic7,220 (2023)
Projected traffic9,935 by 2032
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed9.9 mi (16 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 42 over N.B. Susquehanna River built?

It was built in 1986, making it 39 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR 42 over N.B. 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 March 2023.

How much traffic does SR 42 over N.B. Susquehanna River carry?

About 7,220 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is SR 42 over N.B. Susquehanna River?

The structure is 1,378 ft (420 m) long with a longest span of 171 ft (52.1 m) and a deck 46 ft wide.

Who owns SR 42 over N.B. Susquehanna River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.