US Bridges

Willow Grove Ave. over SEPTA

Good

Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania · N of St. Martins LN 16K04 · Structure no. 000000000039176

Built
1883
142 years old, rebuilt 2015
Condition
Good
inspected March 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
74 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
6,880
2012 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Willow Grove Ave. over SEPTA is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Willow Grove Ave. over SEPTA in Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania. It was built in 1883 and reconstructed in 2015, so it is 142 years old, older than the Pennsylvania average of 54.8 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 8 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 6,880 vehicles a day, projected to reach 8,800 by 2032. The structure is 74 ft (22.6 m) long and 41 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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CarriesWillow Grove Ave.
CrossesSEPTA
LocationN of St. Martins LN 16K04
RouteCity Street 0
CountyPhiladelphia County
StatePennsylvania
Coordinates40.0662, -75.2053
Functional classUrban Local

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionMarch 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating67 US tons
Inventory rating52 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length74 ft (22.6 m)
Longest span29 ft (8.8 m)
Deck width41 ft (12.5 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,880 (2012)
Projected traffic8,800 by 2032
Trucks—
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesRailroad
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$297,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Willow Grove Ave. over SEPTA built?

It was built in 1883, making it 142 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2015.

What condition is Willow Grove Ave. over SEPTA in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in March 2024.

How much traffic does Willow Grove Ave. over SEPTA carry?

About 6,880 vehicles per day (2012 count).

How long is Willow Grove Ave. over SEPTA?

The structure is 74 ft (22.6 m) long with a longest span of 29 ft (8.8 m) and a deck 41 ft wide.

Who owns Willow Grove Ave. over SEPTA?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.