US Bridges

SR 0873 Lr 163 over Pa Tpk (I-476)

Fair

Lehigh County, Pennsylvania · 3 MI South of Slatington · Structure no. 000000000023571

Built
1955
70 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
101 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
7,745
2024 count
Owner
Toll Authority
State Toll Authority

About this bridge

SR 0873 Lr 163 over Pa Tpk (I-476) is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR 0873 Lr 163 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 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 7,745 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 10,017 by 2030. The structure is 101 ft (30.8 m) long and 44 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR 0873 Lr 163
CrossesPa Tpk (I-476)
Location3 MI South of Slatington
RouteState Highway 873
CountyLehigh County
StatePennsylvania
Coordinates40.71773, -75.6243
Functional classUrban Other Principal Arterial

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.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating81 US tons
Inventory rating48 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length101 ft (30.8 m)
Longest span92 ft (28 m)
Deck width44 ft (13.4 m)
Roadway width38 ft (11.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic7,745 (2024)
Projected traffic10,017 by 2030
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 km)
TollOn a free 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$160,000
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 0873 Lr 163 over Pa Tpk (I-476) built?

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

What condition is SR 0873 Lr 163 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 SR 0873 Lr 163 over Pa Tpk (I-476) carry?

About 7,745 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is SR 0873 Lr 163 over Pa Tpk (I-476)?

The structure is 101 ft (30.8 m) long with a longest span of 92 ft (28 m) and a deck 44 ft wide.

Who owns SR 0873 Lr 163 over Pa Tpk (I-476)?

It is owned by the State Toll Authority.