US Bridges

Pa Tpk (I-276) over Wissahickon CR DB-135W

Fair

Montgomery County, Pennsylvania · Near Fort Washington · Structure no. 000000000028180

Built
1954
71 years old, rebuilt 1987
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
248 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
120,317
2004 count
Owner
Toll Authority
State Toll Authority

About this bridge

Pa Tpk (I-276) over Wissahickon CR DB-135W is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Pa Tpk (I-276) over Wissahickon CR DB-135W in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. It was built in 1954 and reconstructed in 1987, so it is 71 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 120,317 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 160,109 by 2030. The structure is 248 ft (75.6 m) long and 110 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesPa Tpk (I-276)
CrossesWissahickon CR DB-135W
LocationNear Fort Washington
RouteInterstate 276
CountyMontgomery County
StatePennsylvania
Coordinates40.12747, -75.21862
Functional classUrban Principal Arterial - Interstate

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 protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionApril 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating72 US tons
Inventory rating43 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20
Structure length248 ft (75.6 m)
Longest span70 ft (21.3 m)
Deck width110 ft (33.4 m)
Roadway width103 ft (31.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic120,317 (2004)
Projected traffic160,109 by 2030
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure6
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 km)
TollOn a toll road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkInterstate STRAHNET route

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Toll Authority
Maintained byState Toll Authority
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$1.8 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Pa Tpk (I-276) over Wissahickon CR DB-135W built?

It was built in 1954, making it 71 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1987.

What condition is Pa Tpk (I-276) over Wissahickon CR DB-135W 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 April 2024.

How much traffic does Pa Tpk (I-276) over Wissahickon CR DB-135W carry?

About 120,317 vehicles per day (2004 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is Pa Tpk (I-276) over Wissahickon CR DB-135W?

The structure is 248 ft (75.6 m) long with a longest span of 70 ft (21.3 m) and a deck 110 ft wide.

Who owns Pa Tpk (I-276) over Wissahickon CR DB-135W?

It is owned by the State Toll Authority.