US Bridges

Chelten Avenue over SEPTA (chestnut Hill W.)

Fair

Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania · W of Pulaski Avenue 17D11 · Structure no. 000000000039126

Built
1917
108 years old, rebuilt 1982
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
57 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
6,600
2009 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Chelten Avenue over SEPTA (chestnut Hill W.) is a concrete slab carrying Chelten Avenue over SEPTA (chestnut Hill W.) in Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania. It was built in 1917 and reconstructed in 1982, so it is 108 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 6,600 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 9,240 by 2032. The structure is 57 ft (17.4 m) long and 84 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 90.7 mi (146 km).

Location

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CarriesChelten Avenue
CrossesSEPTA (chestnut Hill W.)
LocationW of Pulaski Avenue 17D11
RouteCity Street 0
CountyPhiladelphia County
StatePennsylvania
Coordinates40.02983, -75.18088
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating65 US tons
Inventory rating39 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length57 ft (17.4 m)
Longest span28 ft (8.5 m)
Deck width84 ft (25.5 m)
Roadway width48 ft (14.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deck26 ft (7.9 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,600 (2009)
Projected traffic9,240 by 2032
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesRailroad
Detour if closed90.7 mi (146 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Maintained byCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Historic statusEligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$921,000
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

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

It was built in 1917, making it 108 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1982.

What condition is Chelten 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 2023.

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

About 6,600 vehicles per day (2009 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

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

The structure is 57 ft (17.4 m) long with a longest span of 28 ft (8.5 m) and a deck 84 ft wide.

Who owns Chelten Avenue over SEPTA (chestnut Hill W.)?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.