US Bridges

PA309 (lr 226) over Mill Creek

Fair

Lehigh County, Pennsylvania · 1.7 Mi.N.Of PA873 · Structure no. 000000000023169

Built
1962
63 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Box Beam or Girders - Multiple
Prestressed Concrete
Length
45 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
4,479
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

PA309 (lr 226) over Mill Creek is a prestressed concrete box beam or girders - multiple carrying PA309 (lr 226) over Mill Creek in Lehigh County, Pennsylvania. It was built in 1962, so it is 63 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 6 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 4,479 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 7,374 by 2032. The structure is 45 ft (13.7 m) long and 44 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

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CarriesPA309 (lr 226)
CrossesMill Creek
Location1.7 Mi.N.Of PA873
RouteState Highway 309
CountyLehigh County
StatePennsylvania
Coordinates40.6766, -75.6402
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

Condition and inspection

Fair

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating48 US tons
Inventory rating22 US tons

Structure

Structure typeBox Beam or Girders - Multiple
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length45 ft (13.7 m)
Longest span44 ft (13.4 m)
Deck width44 ft (13.3 m)
Roadway width38 ft (11.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,479 (2023)
Projected traffic7,374 by 2032
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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 (lr 226) over Mill Creek built?

It was built in 1962, making it 63 years old in 2025.

What condition is PA309 (lr 226) over Mill 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 September 2024.

How much traffic does PA309 (lr 226) over Mill Creek carry?

About 4,479 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is PA309 (lr 226) over Mill Creek?

The structure is 45 ft (13.7 m) long with a longest span of 44 ft (13.4 m) and a deck 44 ft wide.

Who owns PA309 (lr 226) over Mill Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.