US Bridges

I-81 NB (lr 1005) over Reading/Northern RR

Fair

Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania · 0.75 Mi.N.Of Exit 107(33) · Structure no. 000000000030568

Built
1969
56 years old, rebuilt 1988
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Box Beam or Girders - Multiple
Prestressed Concrete
Length
197 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
12,541
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I-81 NB (lr 1005) over Reading/Northern RR is a prestressed concrete box beam or girders - multiple carrying I-81 NB (lr 1005) over Reading/Northern RR in Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania. It was built in 1969 and reconstructed in 1988, so it is 56 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 12,541 vehicles a day, roughly 35% of them trucks, projected to reach 14,181 by 2032. The structure is 197 ft (60 m) long and 43 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.7 mi (14 km).

Location

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CarriesI-81 NB (lr 1005)
CrossesReading/Northern RR
Location0.75 Mi.N.Of Exit 107(33)
RouteInterstate 81
CountySchuylkill County
StatePennsylvania
Coordinates40.62736, -76.4481
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Interstate

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.
Last inspectionApril 2023
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 geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating72 US tons
Inventory rating41 US tons

Structure

Structure typeBox Beam or Girders - Multiple
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length197 ft (60 m)
Longest span64 ft (19.5 m)
Deck width43 ft (13.2 m)
Roadway width39 ft (11.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deck38 ft (11.5 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic12,541 (2024)
Projected traffic14,181 by 2032
Trucks35%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRailroad
Detour if closed8.7 mi (14 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkInterstate STRAHNET route

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState 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 I-81 NB (lr 1005) over Reading/Northern RR built?

It was built in 1969, making it 56 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1988.

What condition is I-81 NB (lr 1005) 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 April 2023.

How much traffic does I-81 NB (lr 1005) over Reading/Northern RR carry?

About 12,541 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 35% are trucks.

How long is I-81 NB (lr 1005) over Reading/Northern RR?

The structure is 197 ft (60 m) long with a longest span of 64 ft (19.5 m) and a deck 43 ft wide.

Who owns I-81 NB (lr 1005) over Reading/Northern RR?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.