US Bridges

Bethlehem Pike over Sandy Run

PoorPosted for load

Montgomery County, Pennsylvania · N.Of Pa.Turnpike 3257F09 · Structure no. 000000000027619

Built
1931
94 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected August 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
74 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
8,478
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Bethlehem Pike over Sandy Run is a concrete tee beam carrying Bethlehem Pike over Sandy Run in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. It was built in 1931, so it is 94 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 8,478 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 14,383 by 2032. The structure is 74 ft (22.6 m) long and 55 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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CarriesBethlehem Pike
CrossesSandy Run
LocationN.Of Pa.Turnpike 3257F09
RouteState Highway 0
CountyMontgomery County
StatePennsylvania
Coordinates40.13343, -75.21403
Functional classUrban Minor 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
Deck4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
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 inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating28 US tons
Inventory rating17 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length74 ft (22.6 m)
Longest span36 ft (11 m)
Deck width55 ft (16.8 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic8,478 (2024)
Projected traffic14,383 by 2032
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

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$903,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Bethlehem Pike over Sandy Run built?

It was built in 1931, making it 94 years old in 2025.

What condition is Bethlehem Pike over Sandy Run 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 August 2024.

How much traffic does Bethlehem Pike over Sandy Run carry?

About 8,478 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is Bethlehem Pike over Sandy Run?

The structure is 74 ft (22.6 m) long with a longest span of 36 ft (11 m) and a deck 55 ft wide.

Who owns Bethlehem Pike over Sandy Run?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.