US Bridges

I 78(LR 1045) over Norfolk/Southern RR

Fair

Lehigh County, Pennsylvania · 1.2 Mi.E.Of PA100 · Structure no. 000000000023009

Built
1988
37 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2023
Type
Box Beam or Girders - Multiple
Prestressed Concrete
Length
41 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
126,705
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I 78(LR 1045) over Norfolk/Southern RR is a prestressed concrete box beam or girders - multiple carrying I 78(LR 1045) over Norfolk/Southern RR in Lehigh County, Pennsylvania. It was built in 1988, so it is 37 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 126,705 vehicles a day, roughly 24% of them trucks, projected to reach 102,256 by 2032. The structure is 41 ft (12.5 m) long and 126 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI 78(LR 1045)
CrossesNorfolk/Southern RR
Location1.2 Mi.E.Of PA100
RouteInterstate 78
CountyLehigh County
StatePennsylvania
Coordinates40.58396, -75.60304
Functional classUrban 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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionSeptember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating103.9 US tons
Inventory rating57 US tons

Structure

Structure typeBox Beam or Girders - Multiple
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length41 ft (12.5 m)
Longest span40 ft (12.2 m)
Deck width126 ft (38.3 m)
Roadway width119 ft (36.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic126,705 (2024)
Projected traffic102,256 by 2032
Trucks24%
Lanes on structure6
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRailroad
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was I 78(LR 1045) over Norfolk/Southern RR built?

It was built in 1988, making it 37 years old in 2025.

What condition is I 78(LR 1045) over Norfolk/Southern RR 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 September 2023.

How much traffic does I 78(LR 1045) over Norfolk/Southern RR carry?

About 126,705 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 24% are trucks.

How long is I 78(LR 1045) over Norfolk/Southern RR?

The structure is 41 ft (12.5 m) long with a longest span of 40 ft (12.2 m) and a deck 126 ft wide.

Who owns I 78(LR 1045) over Norfolk/Southern RR?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.