US Bridges

Central Road over Jordan Creek

Fair

Lehigh County, Pennsylvania · Heidelberg Township · Structure no. 000000000023440

Built
1952
73 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
43 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
50
2015 count
Owner
Town / Township
Town or Township Highway Agency

About this bridge

Central Road over Jordan Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Central Road over Jordan Creek in Lehigh County, Pennsylvania. It was built in 1952, so it is 73 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 50 vehicles a day, projected to reach 70 by 2035. The structure is 43 ft (13.1 m) long and 24 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCentral Road
CrossesJordan Creek
LocationHeidelberg Township
RouteCity Street 0
CountyLehigh County
StatePennsylvania
Coordinates40.68955, -75.6988
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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating49.1 US tons
Inventory rating29 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length43 ft (13.1 m)
Longest span40 ft (12.2 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.2 m)
Roadway width22 ft (6.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic50 (2015)
Projected traffic70 by 2035
Trucks—
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerTown or Township Highway Agency
Maintained byTown or Township Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedDeck rehabilitation with only incidental widening
Estimated improvement cost$30,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Central Road over Jordan Creek built?

It was built in 1952, making it 73 years old in 2025.

What condition is Central Road over Jordan 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 Central Road over Jordan Creek carry?

About 50 vehicles per day (2015 count).

How long is Central Road over Jordan Creek?

The structure is 43 ft (13.1 m) long with a longest span of 40 ft (12.2 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns Central Road over Jordan Creek?

It is owned by the Town or Township Highway Agency.