US Bridges

Ulrich Mill RD over Ontelaunee Creek

FairPosted for load

Lehigh County, Pennsylvania · Ulrichs Bridge S of 143 · Structure no. 000000000023464

Built
1954
71 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2022
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
81 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
200
1980 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Ulrich Mill RD over Ontelaunee Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying Ulrich Mill RD over Ontelaunee Creek in Lehigh County, Pennsylvania. It was built in 1954, so it is 71 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 200 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,100 by 2030. The structure is 81 ft (24.7 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

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CarriesUlrich Mill RD
CrossesOntelaunee Creek
LocationUlrichs Bridge S of 143
RouteCity Street 0
CountyLehigh County
StatePennsylvania
Coordinates40.67556, -75.78151
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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
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 inspectionNovember 2022
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 geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating44 US tons
Inventory rating26 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length81 ft (24.7 m)
Longest span40 ft (12.2 m)
Deck width26 ft (7.8 m)
Roadway width22 ft (6.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic200 (1980)
Projected traffic1,100 by 2030
Trucks1%
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

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Ulrich Mill RD over Ontelaunee Creek built?

It was built in 1954, making it 71 years old in 2025.

What condition is Ulrich Mill RD over Ontelaunee 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 November 2022.

How much traffic does Ulrich Mill RD over Ontelaunee Creek carry?

About 200 vehicles per day (1980 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is Ulrich Mill RD over Ontelaunee Creek?

The structure is 81 ft (24.7 m) long with a longest span of 40 ft (12.2 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns Ulrich Mill RD over Ontelaunee Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.