US Bridges

County Bridge Road over Trout Creek

PoorPosted for load

Lehigh County, Pennsylvania · Slatedale · Structure no. 000000000023485

Built
1888
137 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected April 2024
Type
Arch - Deck
Masonry
Length
36 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
50
1980 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

County Bridge Road over Trout Creek is a masonry arch - deck carrying County Bridge Road over Trout Creek in Lehigh County, Pennsylvania. It was built in 1888, so it is 137 years old, older than the Pennsylvania average of 54.8 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 50 vehicles a day, projected to reach 127 by 2030. The structure is 36 ft (11 m) long and 21 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

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CarriesCounty Bridge Road
CrossesTrout Creek
LocationSlatedale
RouteCity Street 0
CountyLehigh County
StatePennsylvania
Coordinates40.73834, -75.66356
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionApril 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating15 US tons
Inventory rating10 US tons

Structure

Structure typeArch - Deck
MaterialMasonry
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length36 ft (11 m)
Longest span16 ft (4.9 m)
Deck width21 ft (6.4 m)
Roadway width17 ft (5.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic50 (1980)
Projected traffic127 by 2030
Trucks—
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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$64,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was County Bridge Road over Trout Creek built?

It was built in 1888, making it 137 years old in 2025.

What condition is County Bridge Road over Trout Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in April 2024.

How much traffic does County Bridge Road over Trout Creek carry?

About 50 vehicles per day (1980 count).

How long is County Bridge Road over Trout Creek?

The structure is 36 ft (11 m) long with a longest span of 16 ft (4.9 m) and a deck 21 ft wide.

Who owns County Bridge Road over Trout Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.