US Bridges

Pa Tpk (I-276) over SEPTA Rr.

Fair

Montgomery County, Pennsylvania · Near Fort Washington · Structure no. 000000000028182

Built
1954
71 years old, rebuilt 1987
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
169 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
74,921
2001 count
Owner
Toll Authority
State Toll Authority

About this bridge

Pa Tpk (I-276) over SEPTA Rr. is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Pa Tpk (I-276) over SEPTA Rr. 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 74,921 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 103,041 by 2030. The structure is 169 ft (51.5 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)
CrossesSEPTA Rr.
LocationNear Fort Washington
RouteInterstate 276
CountyMontgomery County
StatePennsylvania
Coordinates40.13063, -75.20422
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 inspectionJuly 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 geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating66 US tons
Inventory rating39 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length169 ft (51.5 m)
Longest span64 ft (19.5 m)
Deck width110 ft (33.4 m)
Roadway width104 ft (31.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic74,921 (2001)
Projected traffic103,041 by 2030
Trucks14%
Lanes on structure6
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRailroad
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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was Pa Tpk (I-276) over SEPTA Rr. 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 SEPTA Rr. 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 July 2023.

How much traffic does Pa Tpk (I-276) over SEPTA Rr. carry?

About 74,921 vehicles per day (2001 count), of which roughly 14% are trucks.

How long is Pa Tpk (I-276) over SEPTA Rr.?

The structure is 169 ft (51.5 m) long with a longest span of 64 ft (19.5 m) and a deck 110 ft wide.

Who owns Pa Tpk (I-276) over SEPTA Rr.?

It is owned by the State Toll Authority.