US Bridges

Paper Mill Road over Branch Wissahickon Creek

Fair

Montgomery County, Pennsylvania · Erdenheim 3369G06 · Structure no. 000000000027651

Built
1957
68 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
20 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
18,982
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Paper Mill Road over Branch Wissahickon Creek is a concrete culvert carrying Paper Mill Road over Branch Wissahickon Creek in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. It was built in 1957, so it is 68 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 18,982 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 16,227 by 2032. The structure is 20 ft (6.1 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesPaper Mill Road
CrossesBranch Wissahickon Creek
LocationErdenheim 3369G06
RouteState Highway 0
CountyMontgomery County
StatePennsylvania
Coordinates40.08883, -75.20916
Functional classUrban Minor 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
Channel and channel protection4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionDecember 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
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating83 US tons
Inventory rating41 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans1
Design loadH 20
Structure length20 ft (6.1 m)
Longest span20 ft (6.1 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic18,982 (2024)
Projected traffic16,227 by 2032
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure3
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Paper Mill Road over Branch Wissahickon Creek built?

It was built in 1957, making it 68 years old in 2025.

What condition is Paper Mill Road over Branch Wissahickon 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 December 2023.

How much traffic does Paper Mill Road over Branch Wissahickon Creek carry?

About 18,982 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is Paper Mill Road over Branch Wissahickon Creek?

The structure is 20 ft (6.1 m) long with a longest span of 20 ft (6.1 m).

Who owns Paper Mill Road over Branch Wissahickon Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.