US Bridges

Fifth Ave over Falling Spring Branch

Poor

Franklin County, Pennsylvania · 0.6 MI NE Chambersburg Sq · Structure no. 000000000017740

Built
1930
95 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected December 2023
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
30 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
6,000
2009 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Fifth Ave over Falling Spring Branch is a concrete slab carrying Fifth Ave over Falling Spring Branch in Franklin County, Pennsylvania. It was built in 1930, so it is 95 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.

It carries about 6,000 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 8,400 by 2029. The structure is 30 ft (9.1 m) long and 58 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFifth Ave
CrossesFalling Spring Branch
Location0.6 MI NE Chambersburg Sq
RouteCity Street 0
CountyFranklin County
StatePennsylvania
Coordinates39.9393, -77.6501
Functional classUrban Local

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
Deck4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionDecember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating54 US tons
Inventory rating32 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length30 ft (9.1 m)
Longest span29 ft (8.8 m)
Deck width58 ft (17.8 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,000 (2009)
Projected traffic8,400 by 2029
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Maintained byCity or Municipal 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$340,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Fifth Ave over Falling Spring Branch built?

It was built in 1930, making it 95 years old in 2025.

What condition is Fifth Ave over Falling Spring Branch 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 December 2023.

How much traffic does Fifth Ave over Falling Spring Branch carry?

About 6,000 vehicles per day (2009 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Fifth Ave over Falling Spring Branch?

The structure is 30 ft (9.1 m) long with a longest span of 29 ft (8.8 m) and a deck 58 ft wide.

Who owns Fifth Ave over Falling Spring Branch?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.