US Bridges

S Main ST over Lehigh Canal

Fair

Lehigh County, Pennsylvania · River Street Bridge · Structure no. 000000000023519

Built
1988
37 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Box Beam or Girders - Multiple
Prestressed Concrete
Length
60 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
100
1990 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

S Main ST over Lehigh Canal is a prestressed concrete box beam or girders - multiple carrying S Main ST over Lehigh Canal in Lehigh County, Pennsylvania. It was built in 1988, so it is 37 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 6 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 100 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 140 by 2010. The structure is 60 ft (18.3 m) long and 32 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesS Main ST
CrossesLehigh Canal
LocationRiver Street Bridge
RouteCity Street 0
CountyLehigh County
StatePennsylvania
Coordinates40.61621, -75.38312
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating99 US tons
Inventory rating41 US tons

Structure

Structure typeBox Beam or Girders - Multiple
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 25 or greater
Structure length60 ft (18.3 m)
Longest span60 ft (18.3 m)
Deck width32 ft (9.9 m)
Roadway width29 ft (8.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic100 (1990)
Projected traffic140 by 2010
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed98.8 mi (159 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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was S Main ST over Lehigh Canal built?

It was built in 1988, making it 37 years old in 2025.

What condition is S Main ST over Lehigh Canal 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 S Main ST over Lehigh Canal carry?

About 100 vehicles per day (1990 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is S Main ST over Lehigh Canal?

The structure is 60 ft (18.3 m) long with a longest span of 60 ft (18.3 m) and a deck 32 ft wide.

Who owns S Main ST over Lehigh Canal?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.