US Bridges

Pa 309(LR 153) over Saucon Creek

Fair

Lehigh County, Pennsylvania · Near JCT SR 2036 · Structure no. 000000000023148

Built
1929
96 years old, rebuilt 1970
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
78 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
27,279
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Pa 309(LR 153) over Saucon Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying Pa 309(LR 153) over Saucon Creek in Lehigh County, Pennsylvania. It was built in 1929 and reconstructed in 1970, so it is 96 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 27,279 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 41,972 by 2032. The structure is 78 ft (23.8 m) long and 76 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

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CarriesPa 309(LR 153)
CrossesSaucon Creek
LocationNear JCT SR 2036
RouteState Highway 309
CountyLehigh County
StatePennsylvania
Coordinates40.54787, -75.42347
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionDecember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating52 US tons
Inventory rating31 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length78 ft (23.8 m)
Longest span38 ft (11.6 m)
Deck width76 ft (23.2 m)
Roadway width70 ft (21.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic27,279 (2023)
Projected traffic41,972 by 2032
Trucks9%
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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$726,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Pa 309(LR 153) over Saucon Creek built?

It was built in 1929, making it 96 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1970.

What condition is Pa 309(LR 153) over Saucon 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 December 2023.

How much traffic does Pa 309(LR 153) over Saucon Creek carry?

About 27,279 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is Pa 309(LR 153) over Saucon Creek?

The structure is 78 ft (23.8 m) long with a longest span of 38 ft (11.6 m) and a deck 76 ft wide.

Who owns Pa 309(LR 153) over Saucon Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.