US Bridges

Church Road over SEPTA

PoorPosted for load

Montgomery County, Pennsylvania · Nr.Reading Station 3370J8 · Structure no. 000000000027634

Built
1931
94 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected April 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
104 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
8,669
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Church Road over SEPTA is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Church Road over SEPTA 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 8,669 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 14,067 by 2032. The structure is 104 ft (31.7 m) long and 42 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

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CarriesChurch Road
CrossesSEPTA
LocationNr.Reading Station 3370J8
RouteState Highway 0
CountyMontgomery County
StatePennsylvania
Coordinates40.08107, -75.13222
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.
Last inspectionApril 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating84 US tons
Inventory rating50 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length104 ft (31.7 m)
Longest span44 ft (13.4 m)
Deck width42 ft (12.8 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic8,669 (2023)
Projected traffic14,067 by 2032
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesRailroad
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$1.9 million
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was Church Road over SEPTA built?

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

What condition is Church Road over SEPTA 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 April 2023.

How much traffic does Church Road over SEPTA carry?

About 8,669 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is Church Road over SEPTA?

The structure is 104 ft (31.7 m) long with a longest span of 44 ft (13.4 m) and a deck 42 ft wide.

Who owns Church Road over SEPTA?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.