US Bridges

70th Street over Cobbs Creek

Fair

Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania · W of Cobbs Crk Pkwy 36D04 · Structure no. 000000000039249

Built
1948
77 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
96 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
19,500
1976 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

70th Street over Cobbs Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying 70th Street over Cobbs Creek in Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania. It was built in 1948, so it is 77 years old, older than the Pennsylvania average of 54.8 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in fair condition with a lowest component rating of 5 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

It carries about 19,500 vehicles a day, projected to reach 27,300 by 1996. The structure is 96 ft (29.3 m) long and 62 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
Carries70th Street
CrossesCobbs Creek
LocationW of Cobbs Crk Pkwy 36D04
RouteCity Street 0
CountyPhiladelphia County
StatePennsylvania
Coordinates39.9248, -75.2457
Functional classUrban Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, 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 evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating86 US tons
Inventory rating51 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckOpen grating
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length96 ft (29.3 m)
Longest span84 ft (25.6 m)
Deck width62 ft (19 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic19,500 (1976)
Projected traffic27,300 by 1996
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
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$602,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was 70th Street over Cobbs Creek built?

It was built in 1948, making it 77 years old in 2025.

What condition is 70th Street over Cobbs Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in fair condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound. The last reported inspection was in April 2024.

How much traffic does 70th Street over Cobbs Creek carry?

About 19,500 vehicles per day (1976 count).

How long is 70th Street over Cobbs Creek?

The structure is 96 ft (29.3 m) long with a longest span of 84 ft (25.6 m) and a deck 62 ft wide.

Who owns 70th Street over Cobbs Creek?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.