US Bridges

Manchester Avenue over SEPTA

PoorPosted for load

Delaware County, Pennsylvania · .7MI.S.BALT. Pk. 34C07 · Structure no. 000000000015320

Built
1895
130 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected October 2022
Type
Girder and Floorbeam System
Steel
Length
76 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
4,918
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Manchester Avenue over SEPTA is a steel girder and floorbeam system carrying Manchester Avenue over SEPTA in Delaware County, Pennsylvania. It was built in 1895, so it is 130 years old, older than the Pennsylvania average of 54.8 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 4,918 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 7,843 by 2032. The structure is 76 ft (23.2 m) long and 51 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesManchester Avenue
CrossesSEPTA
Location.7MI.S.BALT. Pk. 34C07
RouteState Highway 0
CountyDelaware County
StatePennsylvania
Coordinates39.9063, -75.38872
Functional classUrban Collector

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

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.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionOctober 2022
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating46 US tons
Inventory rating23 US tons

Structure

Structure typeGirder and Floorbeam System
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length76 ft (23.2 m)
Longest span42 ft (12.8 m)
Deck width51 ft (15.4 m)
Roadway width39 ft (11.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,918 (2024)
Projected traffic7,843 by 2032
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesRailroad
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$1.6 million
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was Manchester Avenue over SEPTA built?

It was built in 1895, making it 130 years old in 2025.

What condition is Manchester Avenue over SEPTA in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in October 2022.

How much traffic does Manchester Avenue over SEPTA carry?

About 4,918 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is Manchester Avenue over SEPTA?

The structure is 76 ft (23.2 m) long with a longest span of 42 ft (12.8 m) and a deck 51 ft wide.

Who owns Manchester Avenue over SEPTA?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.