US Bridges

Gowen Avenue over SEPTA (chestnut Hill E)

Good

Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania · E of Germantown Ave 17B05 · Structure no. 000000000039243

Built
1932
93 years old, rebuilt 2001
Condition
Good
inspected August 2023
Type
Box Beam or Girders - Multiple
Prestressed Concrete
Length
37 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
4,250
1999 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Gowen Avenue over SEPTA (chestnut Hill E) is a prestressed concrete box beam or girders - multiple carrying Gowen Avenue over SEPTA (chestnut Hill E) in Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania. It was built in 1932 and reconstructed in 2001, 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 good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 4,250 vehicles a day, projected to reach 4,340 by 2001. The structure is 37 ft (11.3 m) long and 58 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

Location

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CarriesGowen Avenue
CrossesSEPTA (chestnut Hill E)
LocationE of Germantown Ave 17B05
RouteCity Street 0
CountyPhiladelphia County
StatePennsylvania
Coordinates40.06494, -75.19057
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.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating61.9 US tons
Inventory rating35.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeBox Beam or Girders - Multiple
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckCorrugated steel
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length37 ft (11.3 m)
Longest span37 ft (11.3 m)
Deck width58 ft (17.7 m)
Roadway width32 ft (9.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deck15 ft (4.6 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,250 (1999)
Projected traffic4,340 by 2001
Trucks—
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesRailroad
Detour if closed0.6 mi (1 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$960,000
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was Gowen Avenue over SEPTA (chestnut Hill E) built?

It was built in 1932, making it 93 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2001.

What condition is Gowen Avenue over SEPTA (chestnut Hill E) 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 August 2023.

How much traffic does Gowen Avenue over SEPTA (chestnut Hill E) carry?

About 4,250 vehicles per day (1999 count).

How long is Gowen Avenue over SEPTA (chestnut Hill E)?

The structure is 37 ft (11.3 m) long with a longest span of 37 ft (11.3 m) and a deck 58 ft wide.

Who owns Gowen Avenue over SEPTA (chestnut Hill E)?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.