US Bridges

Ross Valley RD over Switzer Creek

FairPosted for load

Lehigh County, Pennsylvania · West of Sweitzer · Structure no. 000000000023461

Built
1950
75 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
33 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
100
1980 count
Owner
Town / Township
Town or Township Highway Agency

About this bridge

Ross Valley RD over Switzer Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Ross Valley RD over Switzer Creek in Lehigh County, Pennsylvania. It was built in 1950, so it is 75 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 100 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 140 by 2000. The structure is 33 ft (10.1 m) long and 20 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRoss Valley RD
CrossesSwitzer Creek
LocationWest of Sweitzer
RouteCity Street 0
CountyLehigh County
StatePennsylvania
Coordinates40.65243, -75.72909
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
Deck9 ExcellentNo problems noted.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
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 statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating33 US tons
Inventory rating19 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckCorrugated steel
Main spans1
Design loadHS 15
Structure length33 ft (10.1 m)
Longest span32 ft (9.8 m)
Deck width20 ft (6.1 m)
Roadway width18 ft (5.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic100 (1980)
Projected traffic140 by 2000
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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$17,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Ross Valley RD over Switzer Creek built?

It was built in 1950, making it 75 years old in 2025.

What condition is Ross Valley RD over Switzer 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 Ross Valley RD over Switzer Creek carry?

About 100 vehicles per day (1980 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is Ross Valley RD over Switzer Creek?

The structure is 33 ft (10.1 m) long with a longest span of 32 ft (9.8 m) and a deck 20 ft wide.

Who owns Ross Valley RD over Switzer Creek?

It is owned by the Town or Township Highway Agency.