US Bridges

49th Street over SEPTA

PoorPosted for load

Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania · S of Chester Ave - 36J01 · Structure no. 000000000039200

Built
1894
131 years old, rebuilt 1942
Condition
Poor
inspected March 2022
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
120 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
5,000
1985 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

49th Street over SEPTA is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying 49th Street over SEPTA in Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania. It was built in 1894 and reconstructed in 1942, so it is 131 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 5,000 vehicles a day, projected to reach 7,000 by 2005. The structure is 120 ft (36.6 m) long and 60 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
Carries49th Street
CrossesSEPTA
LocationS of Chester Ave - 36J01
RouteCity Street 0
CountyPhiladelphia County
StatePennsylvania
Coordinates39.94347, -75.21572
Functional classUrban Collector

Condition and inspection

Poor

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.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMarch 2022
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating98 US tons
Inventory rating59 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 20
Structure length120 ft (36.6 m)
Longest span60 ft (18.3 m)
Deck width60 ft (18.3 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deck18 ft (5.5 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,000 (1985)
Projected traffic7,000 by 2005
Trucks—
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesRailroad
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$973,000
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was 49th Street over SEPTA built?

It was built in 1894, making it 131 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1942.

What condition is 49th Street over SEPTA 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 March 2022.

How much traffic does 49th Street over SEPTA carry?

About 5,000 vehicles per day (1985 count).

How long is 49th Street over SEPTA?

The structure is 120 ft (36.6 m) long with a longest span of 60 ft (18.3 m) and a deck 60 ft wide.

Who owns 49th Street over SEPTA?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.