US Bridges

Bethlehem Pike over W. Br. Neshaminy Creek

Poor

Montgomery County, Pennsylvania · S. Co. Line 3032K8 · Structure no. 000000000027399

Built
1934
91 years old, rebuilt 1963
Condition
Poor
inspected March 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
25 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
30,106
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Bethlehem Pike over W. Br. Neshaminy Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying Bethlehem Pike over W. Br. Neshaminy Creek in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. It was built in 1934 and reconstructed in 1963, so it is 91 years old, older 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 4 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.

It carries about 30,106 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 32,097 by 2032. The structure is 25 ft (7.6 m) long and 72 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

CarriesBethlehem Pike
CrossesW. Br. Neshaminy Creek
LocationS. Co. Line 3032K8
RouteState Highway 309
Coordinates40.26541, -75.25306
Functional classUrban Other Principal Arterial

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
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.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating64 US tons
Inventory rating38 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 20
Structure length25 ft (7.6 m)
Longest span23 ft (7 m)
Deck width72 ft (22 m)
Roadway width68 ft (20.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic30,106 (2024)
Projected traffic32,097 by 2032
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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$531,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Bethlehem Pike over W. Br. Neshaminy Creek built?

It was built in 1934, making it 91 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1963.

What condition is Bethlehem Pike over W. Br. Neshaminy 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 March 2023.

How much traffic does Bethlehem Pike over W. Br. Neshaminy Creek carry?

About 30,106 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Bethlehem Pike over W. Br. Neshaminy Creek?

The structure is 25 ft (7.6 m) long with a longest span of 23 ft (7 m) and a deck 72 ft wide.

Who owns Bethlehem Pike over W. Br. Neshaminy Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.