US Bridges

Bells Mill Road over Wissahickon Creek

PoorPosted for load

Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania · SW of Germantown AVE16G02 · Structure no. 000000000039218

Built
1820
205 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected April 2023
Type
Arch - Deck
Masonry
Length
67 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
12,200
1980 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Bells Mill Road over Wissahickon Creek is a masonry arch - deck carrying Bells Mill Road over Wissahickon Creek in Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania. It was built in 1820, so it is 205 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 12,200 vehicles a day, projected to reach 12,200 by 1980. The structure is 67 ft (20.4 m) long and 27 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

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CarriesBells Mill Road
CrossesWissahickon Creek
LocationSW of Germantown AVE16G02
RouteCity Street 0
CountyPhiladelphia County
StatePennsylvania
Coordinates40.07926, -75.22548
Functional classUrban Minor Arterial

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
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionApril 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating44 US tons
Inventory rating35.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeArch - Deck
MaterialMasonry
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length67 ft (20.4 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width27 ft (8.3 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic12,200 (1980)
Projected traffic12,200 by 1980
Trucks—
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Maintained byCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Historic statusEligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$240,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Bells Mill Road over Wissahickon Creek built?

It was built in 1820, making it 205 years old in 2025.

What condition is Bells Mill Road over Wissahickon 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 2023.

How much traffic does Bells Mill Road over Wissahickon Creek carry?

About 12,200 vehicles per day (1980 count).

How long is Bells Mill Road over Wissahickon Creek?

The structure is 67 ft (20.4 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 27 ft wide.

Who owns Bells Mill Road over Wissahickon Creek?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.