US Bridges

I-78 WB (lr 1045) over Pa 378 (lr 297)

Fair

Northampton County, Pennsylvania · I-78 WB over Pa. 378 · Structure no. 000000000028524

Built
1989
36 years old, rebuilt 2014
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
339 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
30,149
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I-78 WB (lr 1045) over Pa 378 (lr 297) is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I-78 WB (lr 1045) over Pa 378 (lr 297) in Northampton County, Pennsylvania. It was built in 1989 and reconstructed in 2014, so it is 36 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 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 30,149 vehicles a day, roughly 17% of them trucks, projected to reach 39,527 by 2032. The structure is 339 ft (103.3 m) long and 48 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI-78 WB (lr 1045)
CrossesPa 378 (lr 297)
LocationI-78 WB over Pa. 378
RouteInterstate 78
CountyNorthampton County
StatePennsylvania
Coordinates40.57526, -75.38978
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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionAugust 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 rating77.1 US tons
Inventory rating46 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1 (+2 approach)
Design loadHS 25 or greater
Structure length339 ft (103.3 m)
Longest span162 ft (49.4 m)
Deck width48 ft (14.5 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic30,149 (2024)
Projected traffic39,527 by 2032
Trucks17%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkInterstate STRAHNET route

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 I-78 WB (lr 1045) over Pa 378 (lr 297) built?

It was built in 1989, making it 36 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2014.

What condition is I-78 WB (lr 1045) over Pa 378 (lr 297) 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 August 2023.

How much traffic does I-78 WB (lr 1045) over Pa 378 (lr 297) carry?

About 30,149 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 17% are trucks.

How long is I-78 WB (lr 1045) over Pa 378 (lr 297)?

The structure is 339 ft (103.3 m) long with a longest span of 162 ft (49.4 m) and a deck 48 ft wide.

Who owns I-78 WB (lr 1045) over Pa 378 (lr 297)?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.