US Bridges

Keystone RD over Little Lehigh Creek

Fair

Lehigh County, Pennsylvania · Kecks Bridge · Structure no. 000000000023426

Built
1954
71 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
154 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
200
1980 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Keystone RD over Little Lehigh Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Keystone RD over Little Lehigh Creek in Lehigh County, Pennsylvania. It was built in 1954, so it is 71 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 200 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,600 by 2030. The structure is 154 ft (46.9 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesKeystone RD
CrossesLittle Lehigh Creek
LocationKecks Bridge
RouteCity Street 0
CountyLehigh County
StatePennsylvania
Coordinates40.55295, -75.50188
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating59 US tons
Inventory rating35.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckOpen grating
Main spans3
Design loadH 20
Structure length154 ft (46.9 m)
Longest span50 ft (15.2 m)
Deck width26 ft (7.9 m)
Roadway width22 ft (6.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic200 (1980)
Projected traffic1,600 by 2030
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty 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$136,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Keystone RD over Little Lehigh Creek built?

It was built in 1954, making it 71 years old in 2025.

What condition is Keystone RD over Little Lehigh 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 2024.

How much traffic does Keystone RD over Little Lehigh Creek carry?

About 200 vehicles per day (1980 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is Keystone RD over Little Lehigh Creek?

The structure is 154 ft (46.9 m) long with a longest span of 50 ft (15.2 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns Keystone RD over Little Lehigh Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.