US Bridges

Fitzwatertown Road over Branch Pennypack Creek

Fair

Montgomery County, Pennsylvania · Heaton Borough 3259-B5 · Structure no. 000000000027663

Built
1967
58 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2024
Type
Slab
Prestressed Concrete
Length
24 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
14,968
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Fitzwatertown Road over Branch Pennypack Creek is a prestressed concrete slab carrying Fitzwatertown Road over Branch Pennypack Creek in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. It was built in 1967, so it is 58 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 14,968 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 21,447 by 2032. The structure is 24 ft (7.3 m) long and 52 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFitzwatertown Road
CrossesBranch Pennypack Creek
LocationHeaton Borough 3259-B5
RouteState Highway 0
CountyMontgomery County
StatePennsylvania
Coordinates40.15893, -75.11497
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 inspectionFebruary 2024
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
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating102 US tons
Inventory rating61 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length24 ft (7.3 m)
Longest span23 ft (7 m)
Deck width52 ft (16 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic14,968 (2023)
Projected traffic21,447 by 2032
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Fitzwatertown Road over Branch Pennypack Creek built?

It was built in 1967, making it 58 years old in 2025.

What condition is Fitzwatertown Road over Branch Pennypack 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 February 2024.

How much traffic does Fitzwatertown Road over Branch Pennypack Creek carry?

About 14,968 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Fitzwatertown Road over Branch Pennypack Creek?

The structure is 24 ft (7.3 m) long with a longest span of 23 ft (7 m) and a deck 52 ft wide.

Who owns Fitzwatertown Road over Branch Pennypack Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.