US Bridges

Union Avenue over SEPTA

Poor

Montgomery County, Pennsylvania · Cheltenham 3370K10 · Structure no. 000000000027637

Built
1923
102 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected May 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
76 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,609
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Union Avenue over SEPTA is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Union Avenue over SEPTA in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. It was built in 1923, so it is 102 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 1,609 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,669 by 2032. The structure is 76 ft (23.2 m) long and 38 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUnion Avenue
CrossesSEPTA
LocationCheltenham 3370K10
RouteState Highway 0
CountyMontgomery County
StatePennsylvania
Coordinates40.06622, -75.12656
Functional classUrban Local

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.
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.
Last inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating103.9 US tons
Inventory rating61.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length76 ft (23.2 m)
Longest span34 ft (10.4 m)
Deck width38 ft (11.6 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,609 (2023)
Projected traffic5,669 by 2032
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesRailroad
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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$1.3 million
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was Union Avenue over SEPTA built?

It was built in 1923, making it 102 years old in 2025.

What condition is Union Avenue 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 May 2023.

How much traffic does Union Avenue over SEPTA carry?

About 1,609 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is Union Avenue over SEPTA?

The structure is 76 ft (23.2 m) long with a longest span of 34 ft (10.4 m) and a deck 38 ft wide.

Who owns Union Avenue over SEPTA?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.