US Bridges

Bridge Street over Septa; Bethlehem Branch

Fair

Montgomery County, Pennsylvania · Oreland Sta. Adc 3370-A2 · Structure no. 000000000027912

Built
1961
64 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2023
Type
Box Beam or Girders - Multiple
Prestressed Concrete
Length
50 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
4,801
2019 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Bridge Street over Septa; Bethlehem Branch is a prestressed concrete box beam or girders - multiple carrying Bridge Street over Septa; Bethlehem Branch in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. It was built in 1961, so it is 64 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 4,801 vehicles a day, roughly 22% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,114 by 2018. The structure is 50 ft (15.2 m) long and 34 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesBridge Street
CrossesSepta; Bethlehem Branch
LocationOreland Sta. Adc 3370-A2
RouteCity Street 0
CountyMontgomery County
StatePennsylvania
Coordinates40.1187, -75.1851
Functional classUrban Collector

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionFebruary 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating99 US tons
Inventory rating42 US tons

Structure

Structure typeBox Beam or Girders - Multiple
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length50 ft (15.2 m)
Longest span50 ft (15.2 m)
Deck width34 ft (10.5 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,801 (2019)
Projected traffic5,114 by 2018
Trucks22%
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

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$123,000
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was Bridge Street over Septa; Bethlehem Branch built?

It was built in 1961, making it 64 years old in 2025.

What condition is Bridge Street over Septa; Bethlehem Branch 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 2023.

How much traffic does Bridge Street over Septa; Bethlehem Branch carry?

About 4,801 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 22% are trucks.

How long is Bridge Street over Septa; Bethlehem Branch?

The structure is 50 ft (15.2 m) long with a longest span of 50 ft (15.2 m) and a deck 34 ft wide.

Who owns Bridge Street over Septa; Bethlehem Branch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.