US Bridges

Pa 145(LR 175) over Fells Creek

Fair

Lehigh County, Pennsylvania · Laurys · Structure no. 000000000023132

Built
1926
99 years old, rebuilt 1948
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
23 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
15,708
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Pa 145(LR 175) over Fells Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying Pa 145(LR 175) over Fells Creek in Lehigh County, Pennsylvania. It was built in 1926 and reconstructed in 1948, so it is 99 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 15,708 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 22,854 by 2032. The structure is 23 ft (7 m) long and 32 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.7 mi (14 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesPa 145(LR 175)
CrossesFells Creek
LocationLaurys
RouteState Highway 145
CountyLehigh County
StatePennsylvania
Coordinates40.72092, -75.52769
Functional classUrban Other Principal Arterial

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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMay 2024
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 geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating49.1 US tons
Inventory rating29 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length23 ft (7 m)
Longest span21 ft (6.4 m)
Deck width32 ft (9.9 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic15,708 (2024)
Projected traffic22,854 by 2032
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.7 mi (14 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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$42,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Pa 145(LR 175) over Fells Creek built?

It was built in 1926, making it 99 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1948.

What condition is Pa 145(LR 175) over Fells 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 May 2024.

How much traffic does Pa 145(LR 175) over Fells Creek carry?

About 15,708 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is Pa 145(LR 175) over Fells Creek?

The structure is 23 ft (7 m) long with a longest span of 21 ft (6.4 m) and a deck 32 ft wide.

Who owns Pa 145(LR 175) over Fells Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.