US Bridges

Himmels over Schwaben Creek

FairPosted for load

Northumberland County, Pennsylvania · 0.6 MI Ene of Rebuck · Structure no. 000000000029385

Built
1874
151 years old, rebuilt 1983
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Truss - Thru
Wood or Timber
Length
43 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
25
2018 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Himmels over Schwaben Creek is a wood or timber truss - thru carrying Himmels over Schwaben Creek in Northumberland County, Pennsylvania. It was built in 1874 and reconstructed in 1983, so it is 151 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 25 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 39 by 2040. The structure is 43 ft (13.1 m) long and 13 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

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CarriesHimmels
CrossesSchwaben Creek
Location0.6 MI Ene of Rebuck
RouteCity Street 0
CountyNorthumberland County
StatePennsylvania
Coordinates40.72313, -76.71963
Functional classRural 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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating7.1 US tons
Inventory rating4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadH 20
Structure length43 ft (13.1 m)
Longest span37 ft (11.3 m)
Deck width13 ft (4.1 m)
Roadway width12 ft (3.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deck10 ft (3.1 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic25 (2018)
Projected traffic39 by 2040
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusListed on the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$27,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Himmels over Schwaben Creek built?

It was built in 1874, making it 151 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1983.

What condition is Himmels over Schwaben 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does Himmels over Schwaben Creek carry?

About 25 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is Himmels over Schwaben Creek?

The structure is 43 ft (13.1 m) long with a longest span of 37 ft (11.3 m) and a deck 13 ft wide.

Who owns Himmels over Schwaben Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.