US Bridges

SR 329(LR 175) over Lehigh River

PoorPosted for load

Lehigh County, Pennsylvania · Cementon Bridge · Structure no. 000000000023179

Built
1933
92 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected February 2024
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel
Length
575 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
13,934
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 329(LR 175) over Lehigh River is a steel truss - thru carrying SR 329(LR 175) over Lehigh River in Lehigh County, Pennsylvania. It was built in 1933, so it is 92 years old, older than the Pennsylvania average of 54.8 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 13,934 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 21,771 by 2032. The structure is 575 ft (175.3 m) long and 23 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 9.9 mi (16 km).

Location

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CarriesSR 329(LR 175)
CrossesLehigh River
LocationCementon Bridge
RouteState Highway 329
CountyLehigh County
StatePennsylvania
Coordinates40.69019, -75.50372
Functional classUrban Other Principal Arterial

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionFebruary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating21.1 US tons
Inventory rating0 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3 (+1 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length575 ft (175.3 m)
Longest span159 ft (48.5 m)
Deck width23 ft (7 m)
Roadway width22 ft (6.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deck13 ft (4.1 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic13,934 (2024)
Projected traffic21,771 by 2032
Trucks2%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed9.9 mi (16 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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$2.7 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 329(LR 175) over Lehigh River built?

It was built in 1933, making it 92 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR 329(LR 175) over Lehigh River in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in February 2024.

How much traffic does SR 329(LR 175) over Lehigh River carry?

About 13,934 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 2% are trucks.

How long is SR 329(LR 175) over Lehigh River?

The structure is 575 ft (175.3 m) long with a longest span of 159 ft (48.5 m) and a deck 23 ft wide.

Who owns SR 329(LR 175) over Lehigh River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.