US Bridges

Pa Tpk (I-476) over Tr. Little Lehigh Crk

Fair

Lehigh County, Pennsylvania · Emmaus Borough · Structure no. 000000000023547

Built
1955
70 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
342 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
39,061
2001 count
Owner
Toll Authority
State Toll Authority

About this bridge

Pa Tpk (I-476) over Tr. Little Lehigh Crk is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Pa Tpk (I-476) over Tr. Little Lehigh Crk 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 39,061 vehicles a day, roughly 19% of them trucks, projected to reach 66,374 by 2030. The structure is 342 ft (104.2 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)
CrossesTr. Little Lehigh Crk
LocationEmmaus Borough
RouteInterstate 476
CountyLehigh County
StatePennsylvania
Coordinates40.53496, -75.52373
Functional classRural 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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating64 US tons
Inventory rating38 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20
Structure length342 ft (104.2 m)
Longest span95 ft (29 m)
Deck width64 ft (19.5 m)
Roadway width54 ft (16.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic39,061 (2001)
Projected traffic66,374 by 2030
Trucks19%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
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 statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$707,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Pa Tpk (I-476) over Tr. Little Lehigh Crk built?

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

What condition is Pa Tpk (I-476) over Tr. Little Lehigh Crk 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 Tr. Little Lehigh Crk carry?

About 39,061 vehicles per day (2001 count), of which roughly 19% are trucks.

How long is Pa Tpk (I-476) over Tr. Little Lehigh Crk?

The structure is 342 ft (104.2 m) long with a longest span of 95 ft (29 m) and a deck 64 ft wide.

Who owns Pa Tpk (I-476) over Tr. Little Lehigh Crk?

It is owned by the State Toll Authority.