US Bridges

Schuylkillriver RD over U Merion & Plymouth RR

Fair

Montgomery County, Pennsylvania · Swedeland 29B12/3367H5 · Structure no. 000000000027146

Built
1922
103 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2022
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
41 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
7,416
2024 count
Owner
Railroad
Railroad

About this bridge

Schuylkillriver RD over U Merion & Plymouth RR is a concrete tee beam carrying Schuylkillriver RD over U Merion & Plymouth RR in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. It was built in 1922, so it is 103 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 7,416 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 17,970 by 2032. The structure is 41 ft (12.5 m) long and 38 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSchuylkillriver RD
CrossesU Merion & Plymouth RR
LocationSwedeland 29B12/3367H5
RouteState Highway 23
CountyMontgomery County
StatePennsylvania
Coordinates40.094, -75.3265
Functional classUrban 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
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.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionDecember 2022
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 geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating75 US tons
Inventory rating45 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 20
Structure length41 ft (12.5 m)
Longest span39 ft (11.9 m)
Deck width38 ft (11.6 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic7,416 (2024)
Projected traffic17,970 by 2032
Trucks11%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRailroad
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerRailroad
Maintained byRailroad
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$759,000
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was Schuylkillriver RD over U Merion & Plymouth RR built?

It was built in 1922, making it 103 years old in 2025.

What condition is Schuylkillriver RD over U Merion & Plymouth RR 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 December 2022.

How much traffic does Schuylkillriver RD over U Merion & Plymouth RR carry?

About 7,416 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is Schuylkillriver RD over U Merion & Plymouth RR?

The structure is 41 ft (12.5 m) long with a longest span of 39 ft (11.9 m) and a deck 38 ft wide.

Who owns Schuylkillriver RD over U Merion & Plymouth RR?

It is owned by the Railroad.