US Bridges

Swedesford Road over SEPTA Bethlehem Br.

Fair

Montgomery County, Pennsylvania · .25MI.NW of RT202 3144-H9 · Structure no. 000000000028050

Built
1930
95 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2023
Type
Arch - Deck
Concrete
Length
78 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
1,300
2013 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Swedesford Road over SEPTA Bethlehem Br. is a concrete arch - deck carrying Swedesford Road over SEPTA Bethlehem Br. in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. It was built in 1930, so it is 95 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 1,300 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,500 by 2033. The structure is 78 ft (23.8 m) long and 32 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSwedesford Road
CrossesSEPTA Bethlehem Br.
Location.25MI.NW of RT202 3144-H9
RouteCity Street 0
CountyMontgomery County
StatePennsylvania
Coordinates40.19706, -75.2674
Functional classUrban Local

Condition and inspection

Fair

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJanuary 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 geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating54 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeArch - Deck
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length78 ft (23.8 m)
Longest span73 ft (22.3 m)
Deck width32 ft (9.9 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,300 (2013)
Projected traffic1,500 by 2033
Trucks3%
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

OwnerCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Maintained byCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost$351,000
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was Swedesford Road over SEPTA Bethlehem Br. built?

It was built in 1930, making it 95 years old in 2025.

What condition is Swedesford Road over SEPTA Bethlehem Br. 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 January 2023.

How much traffic does Swedesford Road over SEPTA Bethlehem Br. carry?

About 1,300 vehicles per day (2013 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is Swedesford Road over SEPTA Bethlehem Br.?

The structure is 78 ft (23.8 m) long with a longest span of 73 ft (22.3 m) and a deck 32 ft wide.

Who owns Swedesford Road over SEPTA Bethlehem Br.?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.