US Bridges

Pa 272; SR 0272 over East Penn R.R.

Good

Lancaster County, Pennsylvania · N of Ephrata Boro · Structure no. 000000000021157

Built
1942
83 years old, rebuilt 2013
Condition
Good
inspected April 2023
Type
Box Beam or Girders - Multiple
Prestressed Concrete
Length
160 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
13,410
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Pa 272; SR 0272 over East Penn R.R. is a prestressed concrete box beam or girders - multiple carrying Pa 272; SR 0272 over East Penn R.R. in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. It was built in 1942 and reconstructed in 2013, so it is 83 years old, older than the Pennsylvania average of 54.8 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 13,410 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 19,190 by 2032. The structure is 160 ft (48.8 m) long and 36 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesPa 272; SR 0272
CrossesEast Penn R.R.
LocationN of Ephrata Boro
RouteState Highway 272
CountyLancaster County
StatePennsylvania
Coordinates40.20018, -76.16413
Functional classUrban Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionApril 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating101 US tons
Inventory rating53 US tons

Structure

Structure typeBox Beam or Girders - Multiple
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1 (+2 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length160 ft (48.8 m)
Longest span54 ft (16.5 m)
Deck width36 ft (10.9 m)
Roadway width33 ft (10 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic13,410 (2024)
Projected traffic19,190 by 2032
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
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$1.5 million
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was Pa 272; SR 0272 over East Penn R.R. built?

It was built in 1942, making it 83 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2013.

What condition is Pa 272; SR 0272 over East Penn R.R. in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in April 2023.

How much traffic does Pa 272; SR 0272 over East Penn R.R. carry?

About 13,410 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is Pa 272; SR 0272 over East Penn R.R.?

The structure is 160 ft (48.8 m) long with a longest span of 54 ft (16.5 m) and a deck 36 ft wide.

Who owns Pa 272; SR 0272 over East Penn R.R.?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.