US Bridges

PA309 (LR153) over Saucon Creek

Good

Lehigh County, Pennsylvania · 0.1 Mi.N.Of SR 2028 · Structure no. 000000000023147

Built
1970
55 years old
Condition
Good
inspected November 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
21 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
34,060
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

PA309 (LR153) over Saucon Creek is a concrete culvert carrying PA309 (LR153) over Saucon Creek in Lehigh County, Pennsylvania. It was built in 1970, so it is 55 years old, older 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 34,060 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 51,294 by 2032. The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

CarriesPA309 (LR153)
CrossesSaucon Creek
Location0.1 Mi.N.Of SR 2028
RouteState Highway 309
Coordinates40.5272, -75.39117
Functional classUrban Other Principal Arterial

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 inspectionNovember 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 rating61 US tons
Inventory rating37 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length21 ft (6.4 m)
Longest span21 ft (6.4 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic34,060 (2023)
Projected traffic51,294 by 2032
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was PA309 (LR153) over Saucon Creek built?

It was built in 1970, making it 55 years old in 2025.

What condition is PA309 (LR153) over 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 November 2023.

How much traffic does PA309 (LR153) over Saucon Creek carry?

About 34,060 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is PA309 (LR153) over Saucon Creek?

The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long with a longest span of 21 ft (6.4 m).

Who owns PA309 (LR153) over Saucon Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.