US Bridges

Pa 143(LR 285) over Ontelaunee Creek

Fair

Lehigh County, Pennsylvania · Ontelaunee Park · Structure no. 000000000023102

Built
1921
104 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2022
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
30 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
3,006
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Pa 143(LR 285) over Ontelaunee Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying Pa 143(LR 285) over Ontelaunee Creek in Lehigh County, Pennsylvania. It was built in 1921, so it is 104 years old, older 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 5 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 3,006 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,086 by 2032. The structure is 30 ft (9.1 m) long and 25 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesPa 143(LR 285)
CrossesOntelaunee Creek
LocationOntelaunee Park
RouteState Highway 143
CountyLehigh County
StatePennsylvania
Coordinates40.6814, -75.76102
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionNovember 2022
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating82 US tons
Inventory rating49.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length30 ft (9.1 m)
Longest span27 ft (8.2 m)
Deck width25 ft (7.7 m)
Roadway width23 ft (6.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,006 (2024)
Projected traffic3,086 by 2032
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$41,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Pa 143(LR 285) over Ontelaunee Creek built?

It was built in 1921, making it 104 years old in 2025.

What condition is Pa 143(LR 285) over Ontelaunee Creek 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 2022.

How much traffic does Pa 143(LR 285) over Ontelaunee Creek carry?

About 3,006 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is Pa 143(LR 285) over Ontelaunee Creek?

The structure is 30 ft (9.1 m) long with a longest span of 27 ft (8.2 m) and a deck 25 ft wide.

Who owns Pa 143(LR 285) over Ontelaunee Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.