US Bridges

Dale Drive over Big Wapwallopen Creek

PoorClosed to traffic

Luzerne County, Pennsylvania · 1/2MI from N Main ST · Structure no. 000000000057031

Built
1997
28 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected October 2022
Type
Culvert
Steel
Length
38 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
350
2020 count
Owner
Town / Township
Town or Township Highway Agency

About this bridge

Dale Drive over Big Wapwallopen Creek is a steel culvert carrying Dale Drive over Big Wapwallopen Creek in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania. It was built in 1997, so it is 28 years old, younger 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 3 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. Its operating status is: closed to all traffic.

It carries about 350 vehicles a day, projected to reach 400 by 2040. The structure is 38 ft (11.6 m) long and 40 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

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CarriesDale Drive
CrossesBig Wapwallopen Creek
Location1/2MI from N Main ST
RouteCity Street 0
CountyLuzerne County
StatePennsylvania
Coordinates41.16564, -75.87139
Functional classRural Local

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
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert3 SeriousLoss of section, deterioration, spalling or scour have seriously affected primary structural components.
Last inspectionOctober 2022
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusClosed to all traffic
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation0: Immediate repair necessary to put back in service
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating0 US tons
Inventory rating0 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialSteel
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length38 ft (11.6 m)
Longest span18 ft (5.5 m)
Deck width40 ft (12.2 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic350 (2020)
Projected traffic400 by 2040
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerTown or Township Highway Agency
Maintained byTown or Township Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Dale Drive over Big Wapwallopen Creek built?

It was built in 1997, making it 28 years old in 2025.

What condition is Dale Drive over Big Wapwallopen Creek 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 2022.

How much traffic does Dale Drive over Big Wapwallopen Creek carry?

About 350 vehicles per day (2020 count).

How long is Dale Drive over Big Wapwallopen Creek?

The structure is 38 ft (11.6 m) long with a longest span of 18 ft (5.5 m) and a deck 40 ft wide.

Who owns Dale Drive over Big Wapwallopen Creek?

It is owned by the Town or Township Highway Agency.