US Bridges

Sweet Arrow Lake over Swatara Creek

Fair

Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania · North of Pine Grove Boro · Structure no. 000000000030798

Built
1933
92 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
93 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
2,019
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Sweet Arrow Lake over Swatara Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying Sweet Arrow Lake over Swatara Creek in Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania. It was built in 1933, so it is 92 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 2,019 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,285 by 2032. The structure is 93 ft (28.3 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 11.2 mi (18 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSweet Arrow Lake
CrossesSwatara Creek
LocationNorth of Pine Grove Boro
RouteState Highway 0
CountySchuylkill County
StatePennsylvania
Coordinates40.56156, -76.39543
Functional classRural Minor Collector

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.
Channel and channel protection4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating48 US tons
Inventory rating29 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length93 ft (28.3 m)
Longest span40 ft (12.2 m)
Deck width26 ft (7.8 m)
Roadway width23 ft (6.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,019 (2024)
Projected traffic2,285 by 2032
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
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$243,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Sweet Arrow Lake over Swatara Creek built?

It was built in 1933, making it 92 years old in 2025.

What condition is Sweet Arrow Lake over Swatara Creek 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 October 2023.

How much traffic does Sweet Arrow Lake over Swatara Creek carry?

About 2,019 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is Sweet Arrow Lake over Swatara Creek?

The structure is 93 ft (28.3 m) long with a longest span of 40 ft (12.2 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns Sweet Arrow Lake over Swatara Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.