US Bridges

Walnut Lane over Wissahickon Creek

Fair

Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania · Chestnut Hill 3479 H05 · Structure no. 000000000039074

Built
1907
118 years old, rebuilt 2019
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Arch - Deck
Concrete
Length
565 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
18,036
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Walnut Lane over Wissahickon Creek is a concrete arch - deck carrying Walnut Lane over Wissahickon Creek in Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania. It was built in 1907 and reconstructed in 2019, so it is 118 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 18,036 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 20,861 by 2032. The structure is 565 ft (172.2 m) long and 60 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesWalnut Lane
CrossesWissahickon Creek
LocationChestnut Hill 3479 H05
RouteState Highway 0
CountyPhiladelphia County
StatePennsylvania
Coordinates40.03245, -75.19943
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating38 US tons
Inventory rating23 US tons

Structure

Structure typeArch - Deck
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans1 (+5 approach)
Design loadH 20
Structure length565 ft (172.2 m)
Longest span232 ft (70.7 m)
Deck width60 ft (18.3 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic18,036 (2024)
Projected traffic20,861 by 2032
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byTown or Township Highway Agency
Historic statusEligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$464,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Walnut Lane over Wissahickon Creek built?

It was built in 1907, making it 118 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2019.

What condition is Walnut Lane over Wissahickon 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 August 2024.

How much traffic does Walnut Lane over Wissahickon Creek carry?

About 18,036 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is Walnut Lane over Wissahickon Creek?

The structure is 565 ft (172.2 m) long with a longest span of 232 ft (70.7 m) and a deck 60 ft wide.

Who owns Walnut Lane over Wissahickon Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency and maintained by the Town or Township Highway Agency.