US Bridges

Whitby Avenue over Cobbs Creek

Poor

Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania · W of Cobbs Crk PKWY.27G13 · Structure no. 000000000039214

Built
1932
93 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected April 2024
Type
Arch - Deck
Concrete
Length
34 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
6,800
1978 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Whitby Avenue over Cobbs Creek is a concrete arch - deck carrying Whitby Avenue over Cobbs Creek in Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania. It was built in 1932, so it is 93 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.

It carries about 6,800 vehicles a day, projected to reach 6,800 by 2032. The structure is 34 ft (10.4 m) long and 60 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesWhitby Avenue
CrossesCobbs Creek
LocationW of Cobbs Crk PKWY.27G13
RouteCity Street 0
CountyPhiladelphia County
StatePennsylvania
Coordinates39.94006, -75.23992
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
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionApril 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating99 US tons
Inventory rating98.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeArch - Deck
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length34 ft (10.4 m)
Longest span34 ft (10.4 m)
Deck width60 ft (18.3 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,800 (1978)
Projected traffic6,800 by 2032
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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$267,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Whitby Avenue over Cobbs Creek built?

It was built in 1932, making it 93 years old in 2025.

What condition is Whitby Avenue over Cobbs Creek 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 April 2024.

How much traffic does Whitby Avenue over Cobbs Creek carry?

About 6,800 vehicles per day (1978 count).

How long is Whitby Avenue over Cobbs Creek?

The structure is 34 ft (10.4 m) long with a longest span of 34 ft (10.4 m) and a deck 60 ft wide.

Who owns Whitby Avenue over Cobbs Creek?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.