US Bridges

Pa 272; Reading RD over US 322; Main ST

Fair

Lancaster County, Pennsylvania · NW End of Ephrata Boro · Structure no. 000000000021155

Built
1944
81 years old, rebuilt 2015
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
72 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
13,638
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Pa 272; Reading RD over US 322; Main ST is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Pa 272; Reading RD over US 322; Main ST in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. It was built in 1944 and reconstructed in 2015, so it is 81 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 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 13,638 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 17,774 by 2032. The structure is 72 ft (21.9 m) long and 64 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

Location

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CarriesPa 272; Reading RD
CrossesUS 322; Main ST
LocationNW End of Ephrata Boro
RouteState Highway 272
CountyLancaster County
StatePennsylvania
Coordinates40.1857, -76.18759
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating110.1 US tons
Inventory rating70 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length72 ft (21.9 m)
Longest span68 ft (20.7 m)
Deck width64 ft (19.5 m)
Roadway width56 ft (17.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic13,638 (2024)
Projected traffic17,774 by 2032
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed0.6 mi (1 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$2 million
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was Pa 272; Reading RD over US 322; Main ST built?

It was built in 1944, making it 81 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2015.

What condition is Pa 272; Reading RD over US 322; Main ST 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 Pa 272; Reading RD over US 322; Main ST carry?

About 13,638 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is Pa 272; Reading RD over US 322; Main ST?

The structure is 72 ft (21.9 m) long with a longest span of 68 ft (20.7 m) and a deck 64 ft wide.

Who owns Pa 272; Reading RD over US 322; Main ST?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.