US Bridges

Welsh Road over Pennypack Creek

Fair

Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania · N.Of Rowland Ave. 09C13 · Structure no. 000000000039251

Built
1931
94 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2022
Type
Arch - Deck
Concrete
Length
218 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
11,600
1980 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Welsh Road over Pennypack Creek is a concrete arch - deck carrying Welsh Road over Pennypack Creek in Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania. It was built in 1931, so it is 94 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 6 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 11,600 vehicles a day, projected to reach 11,600 by 1980. The structure is 218 ft (66.4 m) long and 76 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesWelsh Road
CrossesPennypack Creek
LocationN.Of Rowland Ave. 09C13
RouteCity Street 0
CountyPhiladelphia County
StatePennsylvania
Coordinates40.04948, -75.02634
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
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJuly 2022
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating106 US tons
Inventory rating64 US tons

Structure

Structure typeArch - Deck
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length218 ft (66.4 m)
Longest span90 ft (27.4 m)
Deck width76 ft (23.3 m)
Roadway width50 ft (15.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic11,600 (1980)
Projected traffic11,600 by 1980
Trucks—
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 statusEligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$2.2 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Welsh Road over Pennypack Creek built?

It was built in 1931, making it 94 years old in 2025.

What condition is Welsh Road over Pennypack 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 July 2022.

How much traffic does Welsh Road over Pennypack Creek carry?

About 11,600 vehicles per day (1980 count).

How long is Welsh Road over Pennypack Creek?

The structure is 218 ft (66.4 m) long with a longest span of 90 ft (27.4 m) and a deck 76 ft wide.

Who owns Welsh Road over Pennypack Creek?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.