US Bridges

Sumneytown Pike over Towamencin Creek

Poor

Montgomery County, Pennsylvania · .1 MI SE PA-363 3143-K4 · Structure no. 000000000027890

Built
1986
39 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected June 2024
Type
Arch - Deck
Steel
Length
20 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
19,455
2019 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Sumneytown Pike over Towamencin Creek is a steel arch - deck carrying Sumneytown Pike over Towamencin Creek in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. It was built in 1986, so it is 39 years old, younger 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 19,455 vehicles a day, projected to reach 18,071 by 2018. The structure is 20 ft (6.1 m) long and 58 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSumneytown Pike
CrossesTowamencin Creek
Location.1 MI SE PA-363 3143-K4
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyMontgomery County
StatePennsylvania
Coordinates40.22839, -75.31262
Functional classUrban Other Principal 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
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating83 US tons
Inventory rating49.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeArch - Deck
MaterialSteel
DeckNot applicable
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length20 ft (6.1 m)
Longest span20 ft (6.1 m)
Deck width58 ft (17.7 m)
Roadway width53 ft (16.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic19,455 (2019)
Projected traffic18,071 by 2018
Trucks—
Lanes on structure3
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty 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$151,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Sumneytown Pike over Towamencin Creek built?

It was built in 1986, making it 39 years old in 2025.

What condition is Sumneytown Pike over Towamencin Creek 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 June 2024.

How much traffic does Sumneytown Pike over Towamencin Creek carry?

About 19,455 vehicles per day (2019 count).

How long is Sumneytown Pike over Towamencin Creek?

The structure is 20 ft (6.1 m) long with a longest span of 20 ft (6.1 m) and a deck 58 ft wide.

Who owns Sumneytown Pike over Towamencin Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.