US Bridges

T-471 over Pa Tpk (I-476)

Fair

Lehigh County, Pennsylvania · Emmaus Borough · Structure no. 000000000023549

Built
1955
70 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
166 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
200
1992 count
Owner
Toll Authority
State Toll Authority

About this bridge

T-471 over Pa Tpk (I-476) is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying T-471 over Pa Tpk (I-476) 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 200 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 315 by 2030. The structure is 166 ft (50.6 m) long and 32 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesT-471
CrossesPa Tpk (I-476)
LocationEmmaus Borough
RouteCity Street 0
CountyLehigh County
StatePennsylvania
Coordinates40.55488, -75.54151
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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionAugust 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 geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating92 US tons
Inventory rating55 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length166 ft (50.6 m)
Longest span75 ft (22.9 m)
Deck width32 ft (9.7 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic200 (1992)
Projected traffic315 by 2030
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

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$372,000
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was T-471 over Pa Tpk (I-476) built?

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

What condition is T-471 over Pa Tpk (I-476) 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 August 2023.

How much traffic does T-471 over Pa Tpk (I-476) carry?

About 200 vehicles per day (1992 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is T-471 over Pa Tpk (I-476)?

The structure is 166 ft (50.6 m) long with a longest span of 75 ft (22.9 m) and a deck 32 ft wide.

Who owns T-471 over Pa Tpk (I-476)?

It is owned by the State Toll Authority.