US Bridges

I-78 EB over Delaware River

Fair

Northampton County, Pennsylvania · Easton · Structure no. 000000000044166

Built
1989
36 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
1,226 ft
7 main spans
Daily traffic
31,800
2022 count
Owner
Toll Authority
Local Toll Authority

About this bridge

I-78 EB over Delaware River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I-78 EB over Delaware River in Northampton County, Pennsylvania. It was built in 1989, 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 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 31,800 vehicles a day, roughly 24% of them trucks, projected to reach 38,500 by 2042. The structure is 1,226 ft (373.7 m) long and 52 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI-78 EB
CrossesDelaware River
LocationEaston
RouteInterstate 78
CountyNorthampton County
StatePennsylvania
Coordinates40.67201, -75.17794
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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionMay 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 geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating50 US tons
Inventory rating30 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans7
Design loadHS 25 or greater
Structure length1,226 ft (373.7 m)
Longest span228 ft (69.5 m)
Deck width52 ft (15.7 m)
Roadway width48 ft (14.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic31,800 (2022)
Projected traffic38,500 by 2042
Trucks24%
Lanes on structure3
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRailroad and waterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollToll bridge
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkInterstate STRAHNET route

Ownership and planned work

OwnerLocal Toll Authority
Maintained byLocal Toll Authority
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was I-78 EB over Delaware River built?

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

What condition is I-78 EB over Delaware 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 May 2023.

How much traffic does I-78 EB over Delaware River carry?

About 31,800 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 24% are trucks.

How long is I-78 EB over Delaware River?

The structure is 1,226 ft (373.7 m) long with a longest span of 228 ft (69.5 m) and a deck 52 ft wide.

Who owns I-78 EB over Delaware River?

It is owned by the Local Toll Authority.