US Bridges

T-304 Plank Road over Lehigh River

Poor

Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania · 3/4 MI SW of Coolbaugh RD · Structure no. 000000000020854

Built
1956
69 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected December 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
126 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
40
2019 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

T-304 Plank Road over Lehigh River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying T-304 Plank Road over Lehigh River in Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania. It was built in 1956, so it is 69 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 40 vehicles a day, projected to reach 60 by 2036. The structure is 126 ft (38.4 m) long and 18 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

CarriesT-304 Plank Road
CrossesLehigh River
Location3/4 MI SW of Coolbaugh RD
RouteCity Street 0
Coordinates41.21962, -75.51791
Functional classRural 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.
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.
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 evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Operating rating49.1 US tons
Inventory rating30 US tons

Structure

MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length126 ft (38.4 m)
Longest span62 ft (18.9 m)
Deck width18 ft (5.5 m)
Roadway width16 ft (4.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic40 (2019)
Projected traffic60 by 2036
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty 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$268,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was T-304 Plank Road over Lehigh River built?

It was built in 1956, making it 69 years old in 2025.

What condition is T-304 Plank Road over Lehigh River 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 T-304 Plank Road over Lehigh River carry?

About 40 vehicles per day (2019 count).

How long is T-304 Plank Road over Lehigh River?

The structure is 126 ft (38.4 m) long with a longest span of 62 ft (18.9 m) and a deck 18 ft wide.

Who owns T-304 Plank Road over Lehigh River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.