US Bridges

US 209 (lr 162) over Reading & Northern RR

Fair

Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania · Mauch Chunk Street · Structure no. 000000000030639

Built
1926
99 years old, rebuilt 1983
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2023
Type
Girder and Floorbeam System
Steel
Length
57 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
6,955
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 209 (lr 162) over Reading & Northern RR is a steel girder and floorbeam system carrying US 209 (lr 162) over Reading & Northern RR in Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania. It was built in 1926 and reconstructed in 1983, so it is 99 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 6,955 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 13,842 by 2032. The structure is 57 ft (17.4 m) long and 34 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 209 (lr 162)
CrossesReading & Northern RR
LocationMauch Chunk Street
RouteU.S. Route 209
CountySchuylkill County
StatePennsylvania
Coordinates40.68125, -76.19088
Functional classUrban Other Principal 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.
Last inspectionSeptember 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 geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating53 US tons
Inventory rating31 US tons

Structure

Structure typeGirder and Floorbeam System
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length57 ft (17.4 m)
Longest span52 ft (15.8 m)
Deck width34 ft (10.5 m)
Roadway width33 ft (10.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,955 (2024)
Projected traffic13,842 by 2032
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesRailroad
Detour if closed0.6 mi (1 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 US 209 (lr 162) over Reading & Northern RR built?

It was built in 1926, making it 99 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1983.

What condition is US 209 (lr 162) 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 September 2023.

How much traffic does US 209 (lr 162) over Reading & Northern RR carry?

About 6,955 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is US 209 (lr 162) over Reading & Northern RR?

The structure is 57 ft (17.4 m) long with a longest span of 52 ft (15.8 m) and a deck 34 ft wide.

Who owns US 209 (lr 162) over Reading & Northern RR?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.