US Bridges

Pa 343; SR 0343 over I-78; SR 0078

Fair

Lebanon County, Pennsylvania · Exit #8 I-78 · Structure no. 000000000022686

Built
1969
56 years old, rebuilt 2008
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Box Beam or Girders - Multiple
Prestressed Concrete
Length
279 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
2,088
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Pa 343; SR 0343 over I-78; SR 0078 is a prestressed concrete box beam or girders - multiple carrying Pa 343; SR 0343 over I-78; SR 0078 in Lebanon County, Pennsylvania. It was built in 1969 and reconstructed in 2008, so it is 56 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 2,088 vehicles a day, roughly 18% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,011 by 2032. The structure is 279 ft (85 m) long and 44 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

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CarriesPa 343; SR 0343
CrossesI-78; SR 0078
LocationExit #8 I-78
RouteState Highway 343
CountyLebanon County
StatePennsylvania
Coordinates40.45196, -76.41512
Functional classRural Major Collector

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.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating42 US tons
Inventory rating25 US tons

Structure

Structure typeBox Beam or Girders - Multiple
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3 (+2 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length279 ft (85 m)
Longest span60 ft (18.3 m)
Deck width44 ft (13.4 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,088 (2023)
Projected traffic3,011 by 2032
Trucks18%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesHighway
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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$808,000
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was Pa 343; SR 0343 over I-78; SR 0078 built?

It was built in 1969, making it 56 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2008.

What condition is Pa 343; SR 0343 over I-78; SR 0078 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 Pa 343; SR 0343 over I-78; SR 0078 carry?

About 2,088 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 18% are trucks.

How long is Pa 343; SR 0343 over I-78; SR 0078?

The structure is 279 ft (85 m) long with a longest span of 60 ft (18.3 m) and a deck 44 ft wide.

Who owns Pa 343; SR 0343 over I-78; SR 0078?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.