US Bridges

Olney Avenue over SEPTA

Poor

Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania · .3MI W.Rising Sun 3481A05 · Structure no. 000000000039049

Built
1929
96 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected July 2024
Type
Girder and Floorbeam System
Steel
Length
130 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
11,878
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Olney Avenue over SEPTA is a steel girder and floorbeam system carrying Olney Avenue over SEPTA in Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania. It was built in 1929, so it is 96 years old, older than the Pennsylvania average of 54.8 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

It carries about 11,878 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 15,134 by 2032. The structure is 130 ft (39.6 m) long and 56 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesOlney Avenue
CrossesSEPTA
Location.3MI W.Rising Sun 3481A05
RouteState Highway 0
CountyPhiladelphia County
StatePennsylvania
Coordinates40.0351, -75.12007
Functional classUrban Other Principal Arterial

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating75.9 US tons
Inventory rating46 US tons

Structure

Structure typeGirder and Floorbeam System
MaterialSteel
DeckNot applicable
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length130 ft (39.6 m)
Longest span129 ft (39.3 m)
Deck width56 ft (17.1 m)
Roadway width36 ft (11 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic11,878 (2024)
Projected traffic15,134 by 2032
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesRailroad
Detour if closed5 mi (8 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$3.3 million
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was Olney Avenue over SEPTA built?

It was built in 1929, making it 96 years old in 2025.

What condition is Olney Avenue over SEPTA in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in July 2024.

How much traffic does Olney Avenue over SEPTA carry?

About 11,878 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is Olney Avenue over SEPTA?

The structure is 130 ft (39.6 m) long with a longest span of 129 ft (39.3 m) and a deck 56 ft wide.

Who owns Olney Avenue over SEPTA?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.