US Bridges

Pa Tpk (ramp Ab) over Pa Tpk (I-476)

Fair

Luzerne County, Pennsylvania · Wilkes-Barre Interchange · Structure no. 000000000024481

Built
1957
68 years old, rebuilt 1987
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
158 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
4,769
1994 count
Owner
Toll Authority
State Toll Authority

About this bridge

Pa Tpk (ramp Ab) over Pa Tpk (I-476) is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Pa Tpk (ramp Ab) over Pa Tpk (I-476) in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania. It was built in 1957 and reconstructed in 1987, so it is 68 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 4,769 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 7,327 by 2030. The structure is 158 ft (48.2 m) long and 38 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 31.7 mi (51 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesPa Tpk (ramp Ab)
CrossesPa Tpk (I-476)
LocationWilkes-Barre Interchange
CountyLuzerne County
StatePennsylvania
Coordinates41.19848, -75.79369
Functional classRural 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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, 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 inspectionJuly 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 geometry8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating94 US tons
Inventory rating56 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length158 ft (48.2 m)
Longest span98 ft (29.9 m)
Deck width38 ft (11.6 m)
Roadway width36 ft (11.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,769 (1994)
Projected traffic7,327 by 2030
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed31.7 mi (51 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$211,000
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

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

It was built in 1957, making it 68 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1987.

What condition is Pa Tpk (ramp Ab) 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 July 2023.

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

About 4,769 vehicles per day (1994 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

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

The structure is 158 ft (48.2 m) long with a longest span of 98 ft (29.9 m) and a deck 38 ft wide.

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

It is owned by the State Toll Authority.