US Bridges

Pennsylvania Ave. over SEPTA Bethlehem Branch

Good

Montgomery County, Pennsylvania · 1.2 MI NW US202 3144-F7 · Structure no. 000000000028229

Built
2003
22 years old
Condition
Good
inspected November 2022
Type
Girder and Floorbeam System
Steel
Length
112 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
350
2009 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Pennsylvania Ave. over SEPTA Bethlehem Branch is a steel girder and floorbeam system carrying Pennsylvania Ave. over SEPTA Bethlehem Branch in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. It was built in 2003, so it is 22 years old, younger than the Pennsylvania average of 54.8 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 350 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 400 by 2015. The structure is 112 ft (34.1 m) long and 43 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesPennsylvania Ave.
CrossesSEPTA Bethlehem Branch
Location1.2 MI NW US202 3144-F7
RouteCity Street 0
CountyMontgomery County
StatePennsylvania
Coordinates40.2083, -75.2753
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionNovember 2022
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating61 US tons
Inventory rating37 US tons

Structure

Structure typeGirder and Floorbeam System
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 25 or greater
Structure length112 ft (34.1 m)
Longest span110 ft (33.5 m)
Deck width43 ft (13 m)
Roadway width32 ft (9.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic350 (2009)
Projected traffic400 by 2015
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesRailroad
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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$1 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Pennsylvania Ave. over SEPTA Bethlehem Branch built?

It was built in 2003, making it 22 years old in 2025.

What condition is Pennsylvania Ave. over SEPTA Bethlehem Branch in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in November 2022.

How much traffic does Pennsylvania Ave. over SEPTA Bethlehem Branch carry?

About 350 vehicles per day (2009 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is Pennsylvania Ave. over SEPTA Bethlehem Branch?

The structure is 112 ft (34.1 m) long with a longest span of 110 ft (33.5 m) and a deck 43 ft wide.

Who owns Pennsylvania Ave. over SEPTA Bethlehem Branch?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.