US Bridges

Pa 309 By-Pass over Pennsylvania Ave./Septa

Fair

Montgomery County, Pennsylvania · Fort Wash. 3257H10 · Structure no. 000000000045251

Built
2008
17 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
275 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
58,794
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Pa 309 By-Pass over Pennsylvania Ave./Septa is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Pa 309 By-Pass over Pennsylvania Ave./Septa in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. It was built in 2008, so it is 17 years old, younger 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 6 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 58,794 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 60,908 by 2032. The structure is 275 ft (83.8 m) long and 127 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesPa 309 By-Pass
CrossesPennsylvania Ave./Septa
LocationFort Wash. 3257H10
RouteState Highway 309
CountyMontgomery County
StatePennsylvania
Coordinates40.12798, -75.20243
Functional classUrban Principal Arterial - Other Freeway or Expressway

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.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJanuary 2023
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating95 US tons
Inventory rating57 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHL 93
Structure length275 ft (83.8 m)
Longest span103 ft (31.4 m)
Deck width127 ft (38.6 m)
Roadway width68 ft (20.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic58,794 (2023)
Projected traffic60,908 by 2032
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure3
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway and railroad
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
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 309 By-Pass over Pennsylvania Ave./Septa built?

It was built in 2008, making it 17 years old in 2025.

What condition is Pa 309 By-Pass over Pennsylvania Ave./Septa 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 Pa 309 By-Pass over Pennsylvania Ave./Septa carry?

About 58,794 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is Pa 309 By-Pass over Pennsylvania Ave./Septa?

The structure is 275 ft (83.8 m) long with a longest span of 103 ft (31.4 m) and a deck 127 ft wide.

Who owns Pa 309 By-Pass over Pennsylvania Ave./Septa?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.