US Bridges

I-78 (lr 1045) over Trib. to Saucon Creek

Good

Lehigh County, Pennsylvania · .5 M. East of Pa. 309 · Structure no. 000000000023079

Built
1989
36 years old
Condition
Good
inspected January 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
29 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
60,992
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I-78 (lr 1045) over Trib. to Saucon Creek is a concrete culvert carrying I-78 (lr 1045) over Trib. to Saucon Creek 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 60,992 vehicles a day, roughly 17% of them trucks, projected to reach 80,261 by 2032. The structure is 29 ft (8.8 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

CarriesI-78 (lr 1045)
CrossesTrib. to Saucon Creek
Location.5 M. East of Pa. 309
RouteInterstate 78
Coordinates40.55857, -75.42274
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
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJanuary 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating110.1 US tons
Inventory rating85 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length29 ft (8.8 m)
Longest span14 ft (4.3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic60,992 (2024)
Projected traffic80,261 by 2032
Trucks17%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
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—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was I-78 (lr 1045) over Trib. to Saucon Creek built?

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

What condition is I-78 (lr 1045) over Trib. to Saucon Creek 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 January 2023.

How much traffic does I-78 (lr 1045) over Trib. to Saucon Creek carry?

About 60,992 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 17% are trucks.

How long is I-78 (lr 1045) over Trib. to Saucon Creek?

The structure is 29 ft (8.8 m) long with a longest span of 14 ft (4.3 m).

Who owns I-78 (lr 1045) over Trib. to Saucon Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.