US Bridges

Valley Green Road over Wissahickon Creek

PoorPosted for load

Montgomery County, Pennsylvania · 1/4 MI W Beth Pk 3369-E2 · Structure no. 000000000027948

Built
1884
141 years old, rebuilt 1986
Condition
Poor
inspected May 2024
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel
Length
183 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
5,864
2013 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Valley Green Road over Wissahickon Creek is a steel truss - thru carrying Valley Green Road over Wissahickon Creek in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. It was built in 1884 and reconstructed in 1986, so it is 141 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 3 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 5,864 vehicles a day, projected to reach 6,054 by 2018. The structure is 183 ft (55.8 m) long and 19 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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CarriesValley Green Road
CrossesWissahickon Creek
Location1/4 MI W Beth Pk 3369-E2
RouteCity Street 0
CountyMontgomery County
StatePennsylvania
Coordinates40.1129, -75.21921
Functional classUrban Minor 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
Deck3 SeriousLoss of section, deterioration, spalling or scour have seriously affected primary structural components.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Approach roadway alignment3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Operating rating12 US tons
Inventory rating5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckClosed grating
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length183 ft (55.8 m)
Longest span57 ft (17.4 m)
Deck width19 ft (5.9 m)
Roadway width19 ft (5.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,864 (2013)
Projected traffic6,054 by 2018
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusEligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$1.3 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Valley Green Road over Wissahickon Creek built?

It was built in 1884, making it 141 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1986.

What condition is Valley Green Road over Wissahickon 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 May 2024.

How much traffic does Valley Green Road over Wissahickon Creek carry?

About 5,864 vehicles per day (2013 count).

How long is Valley Green Road over Wissahickon Creek?

The structure is 183 ft (55.8 m) long with a longest span of 57 ft (17.4 m) and a deck 19 ft wide.

Who owns Valley Green Road over Wissahickon Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.