US Bridges

Pa 309 (lr 226) over Ontelaunee Creek

Fair

Lehigh County, Pennsylvania · 2 Mi.N.Of PA143 · Structure no. 000000000023176

Built
1930
95 years old, rebuilt 1953
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
20 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
9,244
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Pa 309 (lr 226) over Ontelaunee Creek is a concrete culvert carrying Pa 309 (lr 226) over Ontelaunee Creek in Lehigh County, Pennsylvania. It was built in 1930 and reconstructed in 1953, so it is 95 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 9,244 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 10,675 by 2032. The structure is 20 ft (6.1 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

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CarriesPa 309 (lr 226)
CrossesOntelaunee Creek
Location2 Mi.N.Of PA143
RouteState Highway 309
CountyLehigh County
StatePennsylvania
Coordinates40.70683, -75.76081
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
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionSeptember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating70 US tons
Inventory rating42 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length20 ft (6.1 m)
Longest span20 ft (6.1 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic9,244 (2024)
Projected traffic10,675 by 2032
Trucks11%
Lanes on structure3
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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$184,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Pa 309 (lr 226) over Ontelaunee Creek built?

It was built in 1930, making it 95 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1953.

What condition is Pa 309 (lr 226) 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 September 2023.

How much traffic does Pa 309 (lr 226) over Ontelaunee Creek carry?

About 9,244 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is Pa 309 (lr 226) over Ontelaunee Creek?

The structure is 20 ft (6.1 m) long with a longest span of 20 ft (6.1 m).

Who owns Pa 309 (lr 226) over Ontelaunee Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.