US Bridges

Wissahickon Avenue over SEPTA (chestnut Hill W)

Fair

Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania · Near Queen Lane 3480B07 · Structure no. 000000000039043

Built
1916
109 years old, rebuilt 1985
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2022
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
46 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
13,160
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Wissahickon Avenue over SEPTA (chestnut Hill W) is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Wissahickon Avenue over SEPTA (chestnut Hill W) in Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania. It was built in 1916 and reconstructed in 1985, so it is 109 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 13,160 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 14,523 by 2032. The structure is 46 ft (14 m) long and 55 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

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CarriesWissahickon Avenue
CrossesSEPTA (chestnut Hill W)
LocationNear Queen Lane 3480B07
RouteState Highway 0
CountyPhiladelphia County
StatePennsylvania
Coordinates40.02257, -75.17815
Functional classUrban Minor 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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionAugust 2022
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating110.1 US tons
Inventory rating77.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length46 ft (14 m)
Longest span43 ft (13.1 m)
Deck width55 ft (16.8 m)
Roadway width31 ft (9.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic13,160 (2024)
Projected traffic14,523 by 2032
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesRailroad
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was Wissahickon Avenue over SEPTA (chestnut Hill W) built?

It was built in 1916, making it 109 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1985.

What condition is Wissahickon Avenue over SEPTA (chestnut Hill W) 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 August 2022.

How much traffic does Wissahickon Avenue over SEPTA (chestnut Hill W) carry?

About 13,160 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is Wissahickon Avenue over SEPTA (chestnut Hill W)?

The structure is 46 ft (14 m) long with a longest span of 43 ft (13.1 m) and a deck 55 ft wide.

Who owns Wissahickon Avenue over SEPTA (chestnut Hill W)?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.