US Bridges

Kensington Avenue over Frankford Creek

Fair

Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania · NE of Hunting Park 29G02 · Structure no. 000000000039161

Built
1892
133 years old, rebuilt 1979
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2022
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
202 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
11,500
1977 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Kensington Avenue over Frankford Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Kensington Avenue over Frankford Creek in Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania. It was built in 1892 and reconstructed in 1979, so it is 133 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 11,500 vehicles a day, projected to reach 16,100 by 1997. The structure is 202 ft (61.6 m) long and 56 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesKensington Avenue
CrossesFrankford Creek
LocationNE of Hunting Park 29G02
RouteCity Street 0
CountyPhiladelphia County
StatePennsylvania
Coordinates40.0079, -75.0926
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionSeptember 2022
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating61 US tons
Inventory rating39 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length202 ft (61.6 m)
Longest span64 ft (19.5 m)
Deck width56 ft (17.1 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deck13 ft (4.1 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic11,500 (1977)
Projected traffic16,100 by 1997
Trucks—
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Maintained byCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Kensington Avenue over Frankford Creek built?

It was built in 1892, making it 133 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1979.

What condition is Kensington Avenue over Frankford 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 September 2022.

How much traffic does Kensington Avenue over Frankford Creek carry?

About 11,500 vehicles per day (1977 count).

How long is Kensington Avenue over Frankford Creek?

The structure is 202 ft (61.6 m) long with a longest span of 64 ft (19.5 m) and a deck 56 ft wide.

Who owns Kensington Avenue over Frankford Creek?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.