US Bridges

Welsh Road over Norfolk Southern

Fair

Montgomery County, Pennsylvania · SE of T-Pike 31K1/3258H6 · Structure no. 000000000027176

Built
1966
59 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2023
Type
Box Beam or Girders - Multiple
Prestressed Concrete
Length
82 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
23,459
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Welsh Road over Norfolk Southern is a prestressed concrete box beam or girders - multiple carrying Welsh Road over Norfolk Southern in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. It was built in 1966, so it is 59 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 6 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 23,459 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 30,770 by 2032. The structure is 82 ft (25 m) long and 63 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

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CarriesWelsh Road
CrossesNorfolk Southern
LocationSE of T-Pike 31K1/3258H6
RouteState Highway 63
CountyMontgomery County
StatePennsylvania
Coordinates40.15399, -75.13826
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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJanuary 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating110.1 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeBox Beam or Girders - Multiple
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 20
Structure length82 ft (25 m)
Longest span80 ft (24.4 m)
Deck width63 ft (19.2 m)
Roadway width50 ft (15.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic23,459 (2024)
Projected traffic30,770 by 2032
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesRailroad
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$523,000
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was Welsh Road over Norfolk Southern built?

It was built in 1966, making it 59 years old in 2025.

What condition is Welsh Road over Norfolk Southern 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 January 2023.

How much traffic does Welsh Road over Norfolk Southern carry?

About 23,459 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is Welsh Road over Norfolk Southern?

The structure is 82 ft (25 m) long with a longest span of 80 ft (24.4 m) and a deck 63 ft wide.

Who owns Welsh Road over Norfolk Southern?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.