US Bridges

I-78(LR 1045) over PA.TURNPIKE(I-476)NE Ext

Fair

Lehigh County, Pennsylvania · Over Pa.Turnpike · Structure no. 000000000023021

Built
1988
37 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
150 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
32,735
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I-78(LR 1045) over PA.TURNPIKE(I-476)NE Ext is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I-78(LR 1045) over PA.TURNPIKE(I-476)NE Ext 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 32,735 vehicles a day, roughly 33% of them trucks, projected to reach 50,539 by 2032. The structure is 150 ft (45.7 m) long and 101 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI-78(LR 1045)
CrossesPA.TURNPIKE(I-476)NE Ext
LocationOver Pa.Turnpike
RouteInterstate 78
CountyLehigh County
StatePennsylvania
Coordinates40.57858, -75.55817
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionNovember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 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 rating110.1 US tons
Inventory rating74 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 25 or greater
Structure length150 ft (45.7 m)
Longest span144 ft (43.9 m)
Deck width101 ft (30.9 m)
Roadway width95 ft (29 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic32,735 (2024)
Projected traffic50,539 by 2032
Trucks33%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 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 PA.TURNPIKE(I-476)NE Ext built?

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

What condition is I-78(LR 1045) over PA.TURNPIKE(I-476)NE Ext 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-78(LR 1045) over PA.TURNPIKE(I-476)NE Ext carry?

About 32,735 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 33% are trucks.

How long is I-78(LR 1045) over PA.TURNPIKE(I-476)NE Ext?

The structure is 150 ft (45.7 m) long with a longest span of 144 ft (43.9 m) and a deck 101 ft wide.

Who owns I-78(LR 1045) over PA.TURNPIKE(I-476)NE Ext?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.