US Bridges

Church Lane over Norfolk Southern RR

FairPosted for load

Lehigh County, Pennsylvania · Trexlertown · Structure no. 000000000023443

Built
1930
95 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Wood or Timber
Length
30 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
1,500
2010 count
Owner
Town / Township
Town or Township Highway Agency

About this bridge

Church Lane over Norfolk Southern RR is a wood or timber stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Church Lane over Norfolk Southern RR 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 1,500 vehicles a day, projected to reach 2,000 by 2020. The structure is 30 ft (9.1 m) long and 16 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesChurch Lane
CrossesNorfolk Southern RR
LocationTrexlertown
RouteCity Street 0
CountyLehigh County
StatePennsylvania
Coordinates40.54473, -75.60144
Functional classUrban 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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionFebruary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating35.1 US tons
Inventory rating24 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length30 ft (9.1 m)
Longest span18 ft (5.5 m)
Deck width16 ft (4.8 m)
Roadway width14 ft (4.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,500 (2010)
Projected traffic2,000 by 2020
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRailroad
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$134,000
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was Church Lane over Norfolk Southern RR built?

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

What condition is Church Lane over Norfolk Southern 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 February 2024.

How much traffic does Church Lane over Norfolk Southern RR carry?

About 1,500 vehicles per day (2010 count).

How long is Church Lane over Norfolk Southern RR?

The structure is 30 ft (9.1 m) long with a longest span of 18 ft (5.5 m) and a deck 16 ft wide.

Who owns Church Lane over Norfolk Southern RR?

It is owned by the Town or Township Highway Agency.