US Bridges

Pa Tpk (I-476) over Nfs RR

Fair

Lehigh County, Pennsylvania · Emmaus Borough · Structure no. 000000000023544

Built
1955
70 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
188 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
44,406
2004 count
Owner
Toll Authority
State Toll Authority

About this bridge

Pa Tpk (I-476) over Nfs RR is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Pa Tpk (I-476) over Nfs RR 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 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 44,406 vehicles a day, roughly 16% of them trucks, projected to reach 71,429 by 2030. The structure is 188 ft (57.3 m) long and 64 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

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CarriesPa Tpk (I-476)
CrossesNfs RR
LocationEmmaus Borough
RouteInterstate 476
CountyLehigh County
StatePennsylvania
Coordinates40.52434, -75.51426
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating64 US tons
Inventory rating38 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1 (+2 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length188 ft (57.3 m)
Longest span78 ft (23.8 m)
Deck width64 ft (19.4 m)
Roadway width55 ft (16.9 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
CrossesRailroad
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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 statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$1.3 million
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was Pa Tpk (I-476) over Nfs RR built?

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

What condition is Pa Tpk (I-476) over Nfs RR 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 March 2023.

How much traffic does Pa Tpk (I-476) over Nfs RR carry?

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

How long is Pa Tpk (I-476) over Nfs RR?

The structure is 188 ft (57.3 m) long with a longest span of 78 ft (23.8 m) and a deck 64 ft wide.

Who owns Pa Tpk (I-476) over Nfs RR?

It is owned by the State Toll Authority.