US Bridges

Swamp Creek Road over Unami Creek

Fair

Montgomery County, Pennsylvania · 1MI.N. Pa 63 2917J07 · Structure no. 000000000027564

Built
1892
133 years old, rebuilt 2012
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2024
Type
Arch - Deck
Masonry
Length
89 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
259
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Swamp Creek Road over Unami Creek is a masonry arch - deck carrying Swamp Creek Road over Unami Creek in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. It was built in 1892 and reconstructed in 2012, so it is 133 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 259 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 181 by 2032. The structure is 89 ft (27.1 m) long and 20 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.8 mi (11 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSwamp Creek Road
CrossesUnami Creek
Location1MI.N. Pa 63 2917J07
RouteState Highway 0
CountyMontgomery County
StatePennsylvania
Coordinates40.3343, -75.44908
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionApril 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourCountermeasures installed to correct a previously existing problem
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Operating rating84 US tons
Inventory rating50 US tons

Structure

Structure typeArch - Deck
MaterialMasonry
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length89 ft (27.1 m)
Longest span26 ft (7.9 m)
Deck width20 ft (6.1 m)
Roadway width16 ft (4.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic259 (2024)
Projected traffic181 by 2032
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.8 mi (11 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusListed on the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$285,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Swamp Creek Road over Unami Creek built?

It was built in 1892, making it 133 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2012.

What condition is Swamp Creek Road over Unami 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 April 2024.

How much traffic does Swamp Creek Road over Unami Creek carry?

About 259 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is Swamp Creek Road over Unami Creek?

The structure is 89 ft (27.1 m) long with a longest span of 26 ft (7.9 m) and a deck 20 ft wide.

Who owns Swamp Creek Road over Unami Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.