US Bridges

SR 378(LR 297) over Saucon Creek

Fair

Lehigh County, Pennsylvania · 1.5 Mi.N.Of PA309 · Structure no. 000000000023180

Built
1935
90 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
99 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
14,200
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 378(LR 297) over Saucon Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying SR 378(LR 297) over Saucon Creek in Lehigh County, Pennsylvania. It was built in 1935, so it is 90 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 14,200 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 18,124 by 2032. The structure is 99 ft (30.2 m) long and 41 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR 378(LR 297)
CrossesSaucon Creek
Location1.5 Mi.N.Of PA309
RouteState Highway 378
CountyLehigh County
StatePennsylvania
Coordinates40.55099, -75.39427
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 protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourCountermeasures installed to correct a previously existing problem
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating58 US tons
Inventory rating35.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length99 ft (30.2 m)
Longest span47 ft (14.3 m)
Deck width41 ft (12.6 m)
Roadway width35 ft (10.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic14,200 (2023)
Projected traffic18,124 by 2032
Trucks5%
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$564,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 378(LR 297) over Saucon Creek built?

It was built in 1935, making it 90 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR 378(LR 297) 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 May 2023.

How much traffic does SR 378(LR 297) over Saucon Creek carry?

About 14,200 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is SR 378(LR 297) over Saucon Creek?

The structure is 99 ft (30.2 m) long with a longest span of 47 ft (14.3 m) and a deck 41 ft wide.

Who owns SR 378(LR 297) over Saucon Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.