US Bridges

Dr.Geo.S.Smith Brg over Lehigh River

Fair

Northampton County, Pennsylvania · Dr.George S. Smith Bridge · Structure no. 000000000028626

Built
1912
113 years old, rebuilt 1991
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2022
Type
Arch - Deck
Concrete
Length
300 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
21,778
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Dr.Geo.S.Smith Brg over Lehigh River is a concrete arch - deck carrying Dr.Geo.S.Smith Brg over Lehigh River in Northampton County, Pennsylvania. It was built in 1912 and reconstructed in 1991, so it is 113 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 21,778 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 26,006 by 2032. The structure is 300 ft (91.4 m) long and 95 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 9.9 mi (16 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesDr.Geo.S.Smith Brg
CrossesLehigh River
LocationDr.George S. Smith Bridge
RouteState Highway 611
CountyNorthampton County
StatePennsylvania
Coordinates40.687, -75.20833
Functional classUrban Other Principal Arterial

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
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 inspectionDecember 2022
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating60 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeArch - Deck
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length300 ft (91.4 m)
Longest span100 ft (30.5 m)
Deck width95 ft (29 m)
Roadway width76 ft (23.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deck16 ft (4.9 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic21,778 (2024)
Projected traffic26,006 by 2032
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure6
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed9.9 mi (16 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusEligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Dr.Geo.S.Smith Brg over Lehigh River built?

It was built in 1912, making it 113 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1991.

What condition is Dr.Geo.S.Smith Brg over Lehigh River 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 December 2022.

How much traffic does Dr.Geo.S.Smith Brg over Lehigh River carry?

About 21,778 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is Dr.Geo.S.Smith Brg over Lehigh River?

The structure is 300 ft (91.4 m) long with a longest span of 100 ft (30.5 m) and a deck 95 ft wide.

Who owns Dr.Geo.S.Smith Brg over Lehigh River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.