US Bridges

Gravel Pike over Swamp Creek

Fair

Montgomery County, Pennsylvania · 1MI.S.ZIEGLERSVIL. 3029E7 · Structure no. 000000000027162

Built
1947
78 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
192 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
9,235
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Gravel Pike over Swamp Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Gravel Pike over Swamp Creek in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. It was built in 1947, so it is 78 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 9,235 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 16,287 by 2032. The structure is 192 ft (58.5 m) long and 38 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.7 mi (14 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesGravel Pike
CrossesSwamp Creek
Location1MI.S.ZIEGLERSVIL. 3029E7
RouteState Highway 29
CountyMontgomery County
StatePennsylvania
Coordinates40.27236, -75.47287
Functional classUrban Other Principal 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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 protection4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
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 adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating84 US tons
Inventory rating50 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length192 ft (58.5 m)
Longest span62 ft (18.9 m)
Deck width38 ft (11.6 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic9,235 (2023)
Projected traffic16,287 by 2032
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.7 mi (14 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$2.8 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Gravel Pike over Swamp Creek built?

It was built in 1947, making it 78 years old in 2025.

What condition is Gravel Pike over Swamp 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 July 2023.

How much traffic does Gravel Pike over Swamp Creek carry?

About 9,235 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is Gravel Pike over Swamp Creek?

The structure is 192 ft (58.5 m) long with a longest span of 62 ft (18.9 m) and a deck 38 ft wide.

Who owns Gravel Pike over Swamp Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.