US Bridges

I-78 (lr 1045) over Pa 309(LR 781 Sb)

Good

Lehigh County, Pennsylvania · Over Pa 309(LR 781) · Structure no. 000000000023024

Built
1989
36 years old
Condition
Good
inspected February 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
223 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
32,735
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I-78 (lr 1045) over Pa 309(LR 781 Sb) is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I-78 (lr 1045) over Pa 309(LR 781 Sb) in Lehigh County, Pennsylvania. It was built in 1989, so it is 36 years old, younger than the Pennsylvania average of 54.8 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 32,735 vehicles a day, roughly 33% of them trucks, projected to reach 50,539 by 2032. The structure is 223 ft (68 m) long and 101 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

CarriesI-78 (lr 1045)
CrossesPa 309(LR 781 Sb)
LocationOver Pa 309(LR 781)
RouteInterstate 78
Coordinates40.57769, -75.55189
Functional classUrban Principal Arterial - Interstate

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionFebruary 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating92 US tons
Inventory rating46 US tons

Structure

MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 25 or greater
Structure length223 ft (68 m)
Longest span119 ft (36.3 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 309(LR 781 Sb) built?

It was built in 1989, making it 36 years old in 2025.

What condition is I-78 (lr 1045) over Pa 309(LR 781 Sb) in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in February 2023.

How much traffic does I-78 (lr 1045) over Pa 309(LR 781 Sb) carry?

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

How long is I-78 (lr 1045) over Pa 309(LR 781 Sb)?

The structure is 223 ft (68 m) long with a longest span of 119 ft (36.3 m) and a deck 101 ft wide.

Who owns I-78 (lr 1045) over Pa 309(LR 781 Sb)?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.