US Bridges

Union Blvd over Abandoned Railroad

Fair

Lehigh County, Pennsylvania · East of Dauphin Street · Structure no. 000000000023218

Built
1929
96 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
64 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
14,054
2024 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Union Blvd over Abandoned Railroad is a concrete tee beam carrying Union Blvd over Abandoned Railroad in Lehigh County, Pennsylvania. It was built in 1929, so it is 96 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 14,054 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 24,645 by 2032. The structure is 64 ft (19.5 m) long and 55 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUnion Blvd
CrossesAbandoned Railroad
LocationEast of Dauphin Street
RouteState Highway 0
CountyLehigh County
StatePennsylvania
Coordinates40.6196, -75.45367
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.
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.
Last inspectionApril 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating59 US tons
Inventory rating35.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length64 ft (19.5 m)
Longest span60 ft (18.3 m)
Deck width55 ft (16.8 m)
Roadway width36 ft (11 m)
Vertical clearance over deck22 ft (6.7 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic14,054 (2024)
Projected traffic24,645 by 2032
Trucks2%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesOther
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Maintained byCity or Municipal 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$381,000
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was Union Blvd over Abandoned Railroad built?

It was built in 1929, making it 96 years old in 2025.

What condition is Union Blvd over Abandoned Railroad 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 2024.

How much traffic does Union Blvd over Abandoned Railroad carry?

About 14,054 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 2% are trucks.

How long is Union Blvd over Abandoned Railroad?

The structure is 64 ft (19.5 m) long with a longest span of 60 ft (18.3 m) and a deck 55 ft wide.

Who owns Union Blvd over Abandoned Railroad?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.