US Bridges

Pa 309 (lr 185) over Little Schuylkill River

Fair

Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania · North End of Tamaqua · Structure no. 000000000030666

Built
1940
85 years old, rebuilt 1992
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
161 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
20,316
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Pa 309 (lr 185) over Little Schuylkill River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Pa 309 (lr 185) over Little Schuylkill River in Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania. It was built in 1940 and reconstructed in 1992, so it is 85 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 20,316 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 24,860 by 2032. The structure is 161 ft (49.1 m) long and 43 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 9.9 mi (16 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesPa 309 (lr 185)
CrossesLittle Schuylkill River
LocationNorth End of Tamaqua
RouteState Highway 309
CountySchuylkill County
StatePennsylvania
Coordinates40.8055, -75.9713
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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating110.1 US tons
Inventory rating74 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadHS 25 or greater
Structure length161 ft (49.1 m)
Longest span69 ft (21 m)
Deck width43 ft (13 m)
Roadway width35 ft (10.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic20,316 (2023)
Projected traffic24,860 by 2032
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed9.9 mi (16 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Pa 309 (lr 185) over Little Schuylkill River built?

It was built in 1940, making it 85 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1992.

What condition is Pa 309 (lr 185) over Little Schuylkill River 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 309 (lr 185) over Little Schuylkill River carry?

About 20,316 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is Pa 309 (lr 185) over Little Schuylkill River?

The structure is 161 ft (49.1 m) long with a longest span of 69 ft (21 m) and a deck 43 ft wide.

Who owns Pa 309 (lr 185) over Little Schuylkill River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.