US Bridges

Zoological Avenue over Future Rail

Fair

Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania · W of 34th Street 28B09 · Structure no. 000000000039467

Built
1930
95 years old, rebuilt 1989
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
135 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
5,500
2009 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Zoological Avenue over Future Rail is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Zoological Avenue over Future Rail in Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania. It was built in 1930 and reconstructed in 1989, so it is 95 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 5,500 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,916 by 2032. The structure is 135 ft (41.1 m) long and 44 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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CarriesZoological Avenue
CrossesFuture Rail
LocationW of 34th Street 28B09
RouteCity Street 0
CountyPhiladelphia County
StatePennsylvania
Coordinates39.9684, -75.193
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Fair

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating83 US tons
Inventory rating47 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckCorrugated steel
Main spans6
Design loadUnknown
Structure length135 ft (41.1 m)
Longest span22 ft (6.7 m)
Deck width44 ft (13.4 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,500 (2009)
Projected traffic6,916 by 2032
Trucks2%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesOther
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Maintained byTown or Township Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was Zoological Avenue over Future Rail built?

It was built in 1930, making it 95 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1989.

What condition is Zoological Avenue over Future Rail 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 May 2023.

How much traffic does Zoological Avenue over Future Rail carry?

About 5,500 vehicles per day (2009 count), of which roughly 2% are trucks.

How long is Zoological Avenue over Future Rail?

The structure is 135 ft (41.1 m) long with a longest span of 22 ft (6.7 m) and a deck 44 ft wide.

Who owns Zoological Avenue over Future Rail?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency and maintained by the Town or Township Highway Agency.