US Bridges

Valley Forge Road over Zacharias Creek

Fair

Montgomery County, Pennsylvania · Centerpoint 21J6/3143E9 · Structure no. 000000000027405

Built
1970
55 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2023
Type
Slab
Prestressed Concrete
Length
33 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
14,446
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Valley Forge Road over Zacharias Creek is a prestressed concrete slab carrying Valley Forge Road over Zacharias Creek in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. It was built in 1970, so it is 55 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 14,446 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 20,447 by 2032. The structure is 33 ft (10.1 m) long and 49 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesValley Forge Road
CrossesZacharias Creek
LocationCenterpoint 21J6/3143E9
RouteState Highway 363
CountyMontgomery County
StatePennsylvania
Coordinates40.19963, -75.34773
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
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.
Channel and channel protection4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionFebruary 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 geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating91.1 US tons
Inventory rating45 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length33 ft (10.1 m)
Longest span32 ft (9.8 m)
Deck width49 ft (14.9 m)
Roadway width45 ft (13.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic14,446 (2024)
Projected traffic20,447 by 2032
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 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$130,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Valley Forge Road over Zacharias Creek built?

It was built in 1970, making it 55 years old in 2025.

What condition is Valley Forge Road over Zacharias 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 February 2023.

How much traffic does Valley Forge Road over Zacharias Creek carry?

About 14,446 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is Valley Forge Road over Zacharias Creek?

The structure is 33 ft (10.1 m) long with a longest span of 32 ft (9.8 m) and a deck 49 ft wide.

Who owns Valley Forge Road over Zacharias Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.