US Bridges

SR 78(LR 1045) over Norfolk Southern RR

Fair

Lehigh County, Pennsylvania · Near Lehigh St.Exit · Structure no. 000000000023057

Built
1989
36 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2024
Type
Box Beam or Girders - Multiple
Prestressed Concrete
Length
164 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
70,840
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 78(LR 1045) over Norfolk Southern RR is a prestressed concrete box beam or girders - multiple carrying SR 78(LR 1045) over Norfolk Southern RR 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 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 70,840 vehicles a day, roughly 18% of them trucks, projected to reach 117,029 by 2032. The structure is 164 ft (50 m) long and 133 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR 78(LR 1045)
CrossesNorfolk Southern RR
LocationNear Lehigh St.Exit
RouteInterstate 78
CountyLehigh County
StatePennsylvania
Coordinates40.56413, -75.48266
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 inspectionMarch 2024
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 rating91.1 US tons
Inventory rating53 US tons

Structure

Structure typeBox Beam or Girders - Multiple
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 25 or greater
Structure length164 ft (50 m)
Longest span66 ft (20.1 m)
Deck width133 ft (40.5 m)
Roadway width127 ft (38.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic70,840 (2023)
Projected traffic117,029 by 2032
Trucks18%
Lanes on structure6
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRailroad
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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 SR 78(LR 1045) over Norfolk Southern RR built?

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

What condition is SR 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 March 2024.

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

About 70,840 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 18% are trucks.

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

The structure is 164 ft (50 m) long with a longest span of 66 ft (20.1 m) and a deck 133 ft wide.

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

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.