Orchard Road over Swabia Creek
FairPosted for loadLehigh County, Pennsylvania · West of Macungie · Structure no. 000000000023446
- Built
- 1978
- 47 years old
- Condition
- Fair
- inspected December 2022
- Type
- Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
- Steel
- Length
- 28 ft
- 1 main span
- Daily traffic
- 20
- 2010 count
- Owner
- Town / Township
- Town or Township Highway Agency
About this bridge
Orchard Road over Swabia Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Orchard Road over Swabia Creek in Lehigh County, Pennsylvania. It was built in 1978, so it is 47 years old, younger 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 20 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 240 by 2020. The structure is 28 ft (8.5 m) long and 24 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 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 | 5 Fair | All primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour. |
| Superstructure | 6 Satisfactory | Structural elements show some minor deterioration. |
| Substructure | 6 Satisfactory | Structural elements show some minor deterioration. |
| Channel and channel protection | 6 Satisfactory | Structural elements show some minor deterioration. |
Structure
Traffic and service
Ownership and planned work
Frequently asked questions
When was Orchard Road over Swabia Creek built?
It was built in 1978, making it 47 years old in 2025.
What condition is Orchard Road over Swabia 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 December 2022.
How much traffic does Orchard Road over Swabia Creek carry?
About 20 vehicles per day (2010 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.
How long is Orchard Road over Swabia Creek?
The structure is 28 ft (8.5 m) long with a longest span of 26 ft (7.9 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.
Who owns Orchard Road over Swabia Creek?
It is owned by the Town or Township Highway Agency.