US Bridges

I-81 SB over PA72 & Swatara Creek

Fair

Lebanon County, Pennsylvania · 2 Miles North of Exit #90 · Structure no. 000000000044233

Built
2005
20 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
990 ft
9 main spans
Daily traffic
10,781
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I-81 SB over PA72 & Swatara Creek is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I-81 SB over PA72 & Swatara Creek in Lebanon County, Pennsylvania. It was built in 2005, so it is 20 years old, younger 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 10,781 vehicles a day, roughly 34% of them trucks, projected to reach 18,659 by 2032. The structure is 990 ft (301.8 m) long and 39 ft wide.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI-81 SB
CrossesPA72 & Swatara Creek
Location2 Miles North of Exit #90
RouteInterstate 81
CountyLebanon County
StatePennsylvania
Coordinates40.47779, -76.527
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionNovember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating80 US tons
Inventory rating61 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans9
Design loadHL 93
Structure length990 ft (301.8 m)
Longest span130 ft (39.6 m)
Deck width39 ft (11.9 m)
Roadway width36 ft (11 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic10,781 (2023)
Projected traffic18,659 by 2032
Trucks34%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway and waterway
Detour if closed—
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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was I-81 SB over PA72 & Swatara Creek built?

It was built in 2005, making it 20 years old in 2025.

What condition is I-81 SB over PA72 & 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 November 2023.

How much traffic does I-81 SB over PA72 & Swatara Creek carry?

About 10,781 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 34% are trucks.

How long is I-81 SB over PA72 & Swatara Creek?

The structure is 990 ft (301.8 m) long with a longest span of 130 ft (39.6 m) and a deck 39 ft wide.

Who owns I-81 SB over PA72 & Swatara Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.