US Bridges

Chapel Avenue over Trout Run

Fair

Lehigh County, Pennsylvania · North of Emaus Ave. · Structure no. 000000000023496

Built
1987
38 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
20 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
650
2000 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Chapel Avenue over Trout Run is a concrete culvert carrying Chapel Avenue over Trout Run in Lehigh County, Pennsylvania. It was built in 1987, so it is 38 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.

It carries about 650 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 710 by 2020. The structure is 20 ft (6.1 m) long and 52 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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CarriesChapel Avenue
CrossesTrout Run
LocationNorth of Emaus Ave.
RouteCity Street 0
CountyLehigh County
StatePennsylvania
Coordinates40.5826, -75.4507
Functional classUrban 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
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionApril 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating61.9 US tons
Inventory rating37 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length20 ft (6.1 m)
Longest span20 ft (6.1 m)
Deck width52 ft (15.8 m)
Roadway width36 ft (11 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic650 (2000)
Projected traffic710 by 2020
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Maintained byCity or Municipal 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 Chapel Avenue over Trout Run built?

It was built in 1987, making it 38 years old in 2025.

What condition is Chapel Avenue over Trout Run 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 April 2024.

How much traffic does Chapel Avenue over Trout Run carry?

About 650 vehicles per day (2000 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is Chapel Avenue over Trout Run?

The structure is 20 ft (6.1 m) long with a longest span of 20 ft (6.1 m) and a deck 52 ft wide.

Who owns Chapel Avenue over Trout Run?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.