US Bridges

Pa Tpk (I-476) over T-426

Fair

Lehigh County, Pennsylvania · Upper Milford Twp Emmaus · Structure no. 000000000023543

Built
1955
70 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
136 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
44,406
2004 count
Owner
Toll Authority
State Toll Authority

About this bridge

Pa Tpk (I-476) over T-426 is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Pa Tpk (I-476) over T-426 in Lehigh County, Pennsylvania. It was built in 1955, so it is 70 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 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 44,406 vehicles a day, roughly 16% of them trucks, projected to reach 71,429 by 2030. The structure is 136 ft (41.5 m) long and 64 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesPa Tpk (I-476)
CrossesT-426
LocationUpper Milford Twp Emmaus
RouteInterstate 476
CountyLehigh County
StatePennsylvania
Coordinates40.51959, -75.51002
Functional classUrban Principal Arterial - Interstate

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating59 US tons
Inventory rating35.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length136 ft (41.5 m)
Longest span60 ft (18.3 m)
Deck width64 ft (19.5 m)
Roadway width56 ft (17.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic44,406 (2004)
Projected traffic71,429 by 2030
Trucks16%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed8.1 mi (13 km)
TollOn a toll road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkInterstate STRAHNET route

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Toll Authority
Maintained byState Toll Authority
Historic statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$140,000
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was Pa Tpk (I-476) over T-426 built?

It was built in 1955, making it 70 years old in 2025.

What condition is Pa Tpk (I-476) over T-426 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 October 2023.

How much traffic does Pa Tpk (I-476) over T-426 carry?

About 44,406 vehicles per day (2004 count), of which roughly 16% are trucks.

How long is Pa Tpk (I-476) over T-426?

The structure is 136 ft (41.5 m) long with a longest span of 60 ft (18.3 m) and a deck 64 ft wide.

Who owns Pa Tpk (I-476) over T-426?

It is owned by the State Toll Authority.