US Bridges

Schuylkill Expway. over Norfolk Southern

Fair

Montgomery County, Pennsylvania · Pencoyd Viaduct 3479E07 · Structure no. 000000000027280

Built
1952
73 years old, rebuilt 1986
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
1,490 ft
8 main spans
Daily traffic
93,104
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Schuylkill Expway. over Norfolk Southern is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Schuylkill Expway. over Norfolk Southern in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. It was built in 1952 and reconstructed in 1986, so it is 73 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 93,104 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 109,894 by 2032. The structure is 1,490 ft (454.2 m) long and 76 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

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CarriesSchuylkill Expway.
CrossesNorfolk Southern
LocationPencoyd Viaduct 3479E07
RouteInterstate 76
CountyMontgomery County
StatePennsylvania
Coordinates40.02225, -75.22268
Functional classUrban 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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionApril 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 geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating87 US tons
Inventory rating52 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans8 (+3 approach)
Design loadHS 25 or greater
Structure length1,490 ft (454.2 m)
Longest span139 ft (42.4 m)
Deck width76 ft (23.3 m)
Roadway width70 ft (21.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic93,104 (2024)
Projected traffic109,894 by 2032
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRailroad
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkInterstate STRAHNET route

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—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was Schuylkill Expway. over Norfolk Southern built?

It was built in 1952, making it 73 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1986.

What condition is Schuylkill Expway. 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 April 2023.

How much traffic does Schuylkill Expway. over Norfolk Southern carry?

About 93,104 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is Schuylkill Expway. over Norfolk Southern?

The structure is 1,490 ft (454.2 m) long with a longest span of 139 ft (42.4 m) and a deck 76 ft wide.

Who owns Schuylkill Expway. over Norfolk Southern?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.