Falls Bridge over Schuylkill River
PoorPosted for loadPhiladelphia County, Pennsylvania · Falls Bridge 3479-J9 · Structure no. 000000000039140
- Built
- 1895
- 130 years old, rebuilt 1986
- Condition
- Poor
- inspected January 2023
- Type
- Truss - Thru
- Steel
- Length
- 566 ft
- 3 main spans
- Daily traffic
- 18,650
- 2012 count
- Owner
- City
- City or Municipal Highway Agency
About this bridge
Falls Bridge over Schuylkill River is a steel truss - thru carrying Falls Bridge over Schuylkill River in Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania. It was built in 1895 and reconstructed in 1986, so it is 130 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.
It carries about 18,650 vehicles a day, projected to reach 23,870 by 2032. The structure is 566 ft (172.5 m) long and 41 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).
Location
Open in Google MapsCondition and inspection
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.
| Component | Rating | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Deck | 4 Poor | Advanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour. |
| Superstructure | 4 Poor | Advanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour. |
| Substructure | 5 Fair | All primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour. |
| Channel and channel protection | 6 Satisfactory | Structural elements show some minor deterioration. |
Structure
Traffic and service
Ownership and planned work
Frequently asked questions
When was Falls Bridge over Schuylkill River built?
It was built in 1895, making it 130 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1986.
What condition is Falls Bridge over Schuylkill River 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 January 2023.
How much traffic does Falls Bridge over Schuylkill River carry?
About 18,650 vehicles per day (2012 count).
How long is Falls Bridge over Schuylkill River?
The structure is 566 ft (172.5 m) long with a longest span of 192 ft (58.5 m) and a deck 41 ft wide.
Who owns Falls Bridge over Schuylkill River?
It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.