US Bridges

Valley Road over Lyon Creek

Fair

Lehigh County, Pennsylvania · South of Lyon Valley Road · Structure no. 000000000023452

Built
1945
80 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
35 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
50
2010 count
Owner
Town / Township
Town or Township Highway Agency

About this bridge

Valley Road over Lyon Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Valley Road over Lyon Creek in Lehigh County, Pennsylvania. It was built in 1945, so it is 80 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 2020. The structure is 35 ft (10.7 m) long and 16 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesValley Road
CrossesLyon Creek
LocationSouth of Lyon Valley Road
RouteCity Street 0
CountyLehigh County
StatePennsylvania
Coordinates40.62503, -75.67399
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourCountermeasures installed to correct a previously existing problem
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating58 US tons
Inventory rating35.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckNot applicable
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length35 ft (10.7 m)
Longest span31 ft (9.4 m)
Deck width16 ft (4.9 m)
Roadway width16 ft (4.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic50 (2010)
Projected traffic70 by 2020
Trucks—
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$27,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Valley Road over Lyon Creek built?

It was built in 1945, making it 80 years old in 2025.

What condition is Valley Road over Lyon 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 August 2023.

How much traffic does Valley Road over Lyon Creek carry?

About 50 vehicles per day (2010 count).

How long is Valley Road over Lyon Creek?

The structure is 35 ft (10.7 m) long with a longest span of 31 ft (9.4 m) and a deck 16 ft wide.

Who owns Valley Road over Lyon Creek?

It is owned by the Town or Township Highway Agency.