US Bridges

I-78 Eb; SR 0078 over Swatara Creek

Fair

Lebanon County, Pennsylvania · 2 Mi. E. of I-81 · Structure no. 000000000022623

Built
1968
57 years old, rebuilt 2006
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
295 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
15,595
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I-78 Eb; SR 0078 over Swatara Creek is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I-78 Eb; SR 0078 over Swatara Creek in Lebanon County, Pennsylvania. It was built in 1968 and reconstructed in 2006, so it is 57 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 5 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 15,595 vehicles a day, roughly 43% of them trucks, projected to reach 20,217 by 2032. The structure is 295 ft (89.9 m) long and 44 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

CarriesI-78 Eb; SR 0078
CrossesSwatara Creek
Location2 Mi. E. of I-81
RouteInterstate 78
Coordinates40.43592, -76.49066
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Interstate

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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating84 US tons
Inventory rating19 US tons

Structure

MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length295 ft (89.9 m)
Longest span113 ft (34.4 m)
Deck width44 ft (13.4 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic15,595 (2024)
Projected traffic20,217 by 2032
Trucks43%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed0.6 mi (1 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkInterstate STRAHNET route

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState 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$1.2 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was I-78 Eb; SR 0078 over Swatara Creek built?

It was built in 1968, making it 57 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2006.

What condition is I-78 Eb; SR 0078 over Swatara Creek 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 October 2023.

How much traffic does I-78 Eb; SR 0078 over Swatara Creek carry?

About 15,595 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 43% are trucks.

How long is I-78 Eb; SR 0078 over Swatara Creek?

The structure is 295 ft (89.9 m) long with a longest span of 113 ft (34.4 m) and a deck 44 ft wide.

Who owns I-78 Eb; SR 0078 over Swatara Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.