Pa 873 (lr 163) over Lehigh River & N/S RR
FairLehigh County, Pennsylvania · Lehigh Gap Bridge · Structure no. 000000000023207
- Built
- 1930
- 95 years old, rebuilt 1984
- Condition
- Fair
- inspected October 2023
- Type
- Truss - Deck
- Steel
- Length
- 1,024 ft
- 5 main spans
- Daily traffic
- 9,562
- 2024 count
- Owner
- State
- State Highway Agency
About this bridge
Pa 873 (lr 163) over Lehigh River & N/S RR is a steel truss - deck carrying Pa 873 (lr 163) over Lehigh River & N/S RR in Lehigh County, Pennsylvania. It was built in 1930 and reconstructed in 1984, 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 9,562 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 11,417 by 2032. The structure is 1,024 ft (312.1 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).
Location
Open in Google MapsCondition and inspection
The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.
| Component | Rating | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Deck | 6 Satisfactory | Structural elements show some minor deterioration. |
| Superstructure | 5 Fair | All primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour. |
| Substructure | 5 Fair | All primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour. |
| Channel and channel protection | 5 Fair | All primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour. |
Structure
Traffic and service
Ownership and planned work
Frequently asked questions
When was Pa 873 (lr 163) over Lehigh River & N/S RR built?
It was built in 1930, making it 95 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1984.
What condition is Pa 873 (lr 163) over Lehigh River & N/S RR 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 October 2023.
How much traffic does Pa 873 (lr 163) over Lehigh River & N/S RR carry?
About 9,562 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.
How long is Pa 873 (lr 163) over Lehigh River & N/S RR?
The structure is 1,024 ft (312.1 m) long with a longest span of 164 ft (50 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.
Who owns Pa 873 (lr 163) over Lehigh River & N/S RR?
It is owned by the State Highway Agency.