US Bridges

SR 863 (lr 39066) over Kistler Creek

Fair

Lehigh County, Pennsylvania · Golden Key Rd. · Structure no. 000000000023203

Built
1930
95 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
24 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
277
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 863 (lr 39066) over Kistler Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR 863 (lr 39066) over Kistler Creek in Lehigh County, Pennsylvania. It was built in 1930, 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 277 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 349 by 2032. The structure is 24 ft (7.3 m) long and 20 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

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CarriesSR 863 (lr 39066)
CrossesKistler Creek
LocationGolden Key Rd.
RouteState Highway 863
CountyLehigh County
StatePennsylvania
Coordinates40.63905, -75.79967
Functional classRural Major Collector

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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
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 inspectionApril 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 geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating77.1 US tons
Inventory rating46 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length24 ft (7.3 m)
Longest span21 ft (6.4 m)
Deck width20 ft (6.2 m)
Roadway width17 ft (5.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic277 (2023)
Projected traffic349 by 2032
Trucks12%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

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$27,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 863 (lr 39066) over Kistler Creek built?

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

What condition is SR 863 (lr 39066) over Kistler 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 April 2023.

How much traffic does SR 863 (lr 39066) over Kistler Creek carry?

About 277 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is SR 863 (lr 39066) over Kistler Creek?

The structure is 24 ft (7.3 m) long with a longest span of 21 ft (6.4 m) and a deck 20 ft wide.

Who owns SR 863 (lr 39066) over Kistler Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.