US Bridges

SR 4020(LR 48059) over Bertsch Creek

Fair

Northampton County, Pennsylvania · Maple Dr. @ Birch Rd. · Structure no. 000000000028792

Built
1889
136 years old, rebuilt 2017
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Arch - Deck
Masonry
Length
45 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,238
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 4020(LR 48059) over Bertsch Creek is a masonry arch - deck carrying SR 4020(LR 48059) over Bertsch Creek in Northampton County, Pennsylvania. It was built in 1889 and reconstructed in 2017, so it is 136 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 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 1,238 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 890 by 2036. The structure is 45 ft (13.7 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR 4020(LR 48059)
CrossesBertsch Creek
LocationMaple Dr. @ Birch Rd.
RouteState Highway 0
CountyNorthampton County
StatePennsylvania
Coordinates40.75652, -75.57695
Functional classUrban Local

Condition and inspection

Fair

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck9 ExcellentNo problems noted.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourCountermeasures installed to correct a previously existing problem
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating54 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeArch - Deck
MaterialMasonry
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length45 ft (13.7 m)
Longest span12 ft (3.7 m)
Deck width26 ft (7.8 m)
Roadway width22 ft (6.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,238 (2024)
Projected traffic890 by 2036
Trucks2%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$82,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 4020(LR 48059) over Bertsch Creek built?

It was built in 1889, making it 136 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2017.

What condition is SR 4020(LR 48059) over Bertsch Creek 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 March 2023.

How much traffic does SR 4020(LR 48059) over Bertsch Creek carry?

About 1,238 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 2% are trucks.

How long is SR 4020(LR 48059) over Bertsch Creek?

The structure is 45 ft (13.7 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.7 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns SR 4020(LR 48059) over Bertsch Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.