US Bridges

Pa 54 (lr 290) over Reading/Northern RR

Fair

Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania · Saint Nicholas · Structure no. 000000000030509

Built
1975
50 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Box Beam or Girders - Multiple
Prestressed Concrete
Length
118 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
4,064
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Pa 54 (lr 290) over Reading/Northern RR is a prestressed concrete box beam or girders - multiple carrying Pa 54 (lr 290) over Reading/Northern RR in Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania. It was built in 1975, so it is 50 years old, younger 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 4,064 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,242 by 2032. The structure is 118 ft (36 m) long and 52 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 11.2 mi (18 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesPa 54 (lr 290)
CrossesReading/Northern RR
LocationSaint Nicholas
RouteState Highway 54
CountySchuylkill County
StatePennsylvania
Coordinates40.8046, -76.17719
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
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.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating82 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeBox Beam or Girders - Multiple
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length118 ft (36 m)
Longest span38 ft (11.6 m)
Deck width52 ft (15.9 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,064 (2023)
Projected traffic3,242 by 2032
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesRailroad
Detour if closed11.2 mi (18 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState 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—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was Pa 54 (lr 290) over Reading/Northern RR built?

It was built in 1975, making it 50 years old in 2025.

What condition is Pa 54 (lr 290) over Reading/Northern RR 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 2024.

How much traffic does Pa 54 (lr 290) over Reading/Northern RR carry?

About 4,064 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is Pa 54 (lr 290) over Reading/Northern RR?

The structure is 118 ft (36 m) long with a longest span of 38 ft (11.6 m) and a deck 52 ft wide.

Who owns Pa 54 (lr 290) over Reading/Northern RR?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.