US Bridges

Pa 437 over Little Nescopeck Creek

Fair

Luzerne County, Pennsylvania · Dennison Twp 5M N SR 2048 · Structure no. 000000000023938

Built
1938
87 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Arch - Deck
Masonry
Length
20 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
3,274
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Pa 437 over Little Nescopeck Creek is a masonry arch - deck carrying Pa 437 over Little Nescopeck Creek in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania. It was built in 1938, so it is 87 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 3,274 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,126 by 2032. The structure is 20 ft (6.1 m) long and 38 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 29.8 mi (48 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesPa 437
CrossesLittle Nescopeck Creek
LocationDennison Twp 5M N SR 2048
RouteState Highway 437
CountyLuzerne County
StatePennsylvania
Coordinates41.10676, -75.83713
Functional classRural Minor 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
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourCountermeasures installed to correct a previously existing problem
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating54 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeArch - Deck
MaterialMasonry
DeckNot applicable
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length20 ft (6.1 m)
Longest span20 ft (6.1 m)
Deck width38 ft (11.6 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,274 (2023)
Projected traffic4,126 by 2032
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed29.8 mi (48 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

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$180,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Pa 437 over Little Nescopeck Creek built?

It was built in 1938, making it 87 years old in 2025.

What condition is Pa 437 over Little Nescopeck Creek 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 March 2023.

How much traffic does Pa 437 over Little Nescopeck Creek carry?

About 3,274 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Pa 437 over Little Nescopeck Creek?

The structure is 20 ft (6.1 m) long with a longest span of 20 ft (6.1 m) and a deck 38 ft wide.

Who owns Pa 437 over Little Nescopeck Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.