US Bridges

Ramp Ab over Pa Tpk (I-476)

Poor

Lehigh County, Pennsylvania · Lehigh Valley Interchange · Structure no. 000000000023554

Built
1956
69 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected October 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
102 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
21,503
1994 count
Owner
Toll Authority
State Toll Authority

About this bridge

Ramp Ab over Pa Tpk (I-476) is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Ramp Ab over Pa Tpk (I-476) in Lehigh County, Pennsylvania. It was built in 1956, so it is 69 years old, older than the Pennsylvania average of 54.8 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

It carries about 21,503 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 33,037 by 2030. The structure is 102 ft (31.1 m) long and 37 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 11.2 mi (18 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRamp Ab
CrossesPa Tpk (I-476)
LocationLehigh Valley Interchange
RouteInterstate 476
CountyLehigh County
StatePennsylvania
Coordinates40.59245, -75.56653
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Interstate

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, 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 inspectionOctober 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 geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating85 US tons
Inventory rating51 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length102 ft (31.1 m)
Longest span97 ft (29.6 m)
Deck width37 ft (11.3 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic21,503 (1994)
Projected traffic33,037 by 2030
Trucks14%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed11.2 mi (18 km)
TollOn a toll road
National Highway SystemYes

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$459,000
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was Ramp Ab over Pa Tpk (I-476) built?

It was built in 1956, making it 69 years old in 2025.

What condition is Ramp Ab over Pa Tpk (I-476) in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in October 2023.

How much traffic does Ramp Ab over Pa Tpk (I-476) carry?

About 21,503 vehicles per day (1994 count), of which roughly 14% are trucks.

How long is Ramp Ab over Pa Tpk (I-476)?

The structure is 102 ft (31.1 m) long with a longest span of 97 ft (29.6 m) and a deck 37 ft wide.

Who owns Ramp Ab over Pa Tpk (I-476)?

It is owned by the State Toll Authority.