US Bridges

Penrose Avenue over Schuylkill River & R.R.

Fair

Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania · George Platt Mem. 3699G07 · Structure no. 000000000038666

Built
1949
76 years old, rebuilt 2012
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2024
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel Continuous
Length
8,780 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
98,192
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Penrose Avenue over Schuylkill River & R.R. is a steel continuous truss - thru carrying Penrose Avenue over Schuylkill River & R.R. in Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania. It was built in 1949 and reconstructed in 2012, so it is 76 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 98,192 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 70,197 by 2032. The structure is 8,780 ft (2,676.1 m) long and 52 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.8 mi (11 km).

CarriesPenrose Avenue
CrossesSchuylkill River & R.R.
LocationGeorge Platt Mem. 3699G07
RouteState Highway 291
Coordinates39.89186, -75.2246
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionFebruary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating60 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckClosed grating
Main spans3 (+90 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length8,780 ft (2,676.1 m)
Longest span680 ft (207.3 m)
Deck width52 ft (16 m)
Roadway width48 ft (14.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deck17 ft (5.3 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic98,192 (2024)
Projected traffic70,197 by 2032
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesHighway, waterway and railroad
Detour if closed6.8 mi (11 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 proposedDeck rehabilitation with only incidental widening
Estimated improvement cost$4.4 million
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was Penrose Avenue over Schuylkill River & R.R. built?

It was built in 1949, making it 76 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2012.

What condition is Penrose Avenue over Schuylkill River & R.R. 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 February 2024.

How much traffic does Penrose Avenue over Schuylkill River & R.R. carry?

About 98,192 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is Penrose Avenue over Schuylkill River & R.R.?

The structure is 8,780 ft (2,676.1 m) long with a longest span of 680 ft (207.3 m) and a deck 52 ft wide.

Who owns Penrose Avenue over Schuylkill River & R.R.?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.