US Bridges

SR 0081 I-81 SB over Reading Bluemt& Northern

Fair

Luzerne County, Pennsylvania · Laflin Boro .6 M S EX#175 · Structure no. 000000000023755

Built
1963
62 years old, rebuilt 2009
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
199 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
30,710
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 0081 I-81 SB over Reading Bluemt& Northern is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR 0081 I-81 SB over Reading Bluemt& Northern in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania. It was built in 1963 and reconstructed in 2009, so it is 62 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 30,710 vehicles a day, roughly 21% of them trucks, projected to reach 37,323 by 2032. The structure is 199 ft (60.7 m) long and 37 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR 0081 I-81 SB
CrossesReading Bluemt& Northern
LocationLaflin Boro .6 M S EX#175
RouteInterstate 81
CountyLuzerne County
StatePennsylvania
Coordinates41.29332, -75.77833
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 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 geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating87 US tons
Inventory rating52 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length199 ft (60.7 m)
Longest span74 ft (22.6 m)
Deck width37 ft (11.4 m)
Roadway width34 ft (10.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic30,710 (2024)
Projected traffic37,323 by 2032
Trucks21%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRailroad
Detour if closed0.6 mi (1 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkInterstate STRAHNET route

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$660,000
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 0081 I-81 SB over Reading Bluemt& Northern built?

It was built in 1963, making it 62 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2009.

What condition is SR 0081 I-81 SB over Reading Bluemt& Northern 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 0081 I-81 SB over Reading Bluemt& Northern carry?

About 30,710 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 21% are trucks.

How long is SR 0081 I-81 SB over Reading Bluemt& Northern?

The structure is 199 ft (60.7 m) long with a longest span of 74 ft (22.6 m) and a deck 37 ft wide.

Who owns SR 0081 I-81 SB over Reading Bluemt& Northern?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.