US Bridges

Covered Bridge RD over Lower Little Swatara CR

GoodPosted for load

Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania · 0.1 MI South of SR 895 · Structure no. 000000000030953

Built
1860
165 years old, rebuilt 2023
Condition
Good
inspected November 2023
Type
Truss - Thru
Wood or Timber
Length
65 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
50
1980 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Covered Bridge RD over Lower Little Swatara CR is a wood or timber truss - thru carrying Covered Bridge RD over Lower Little Swatara CR in Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania. It was built in 1860 and reconstructed in 2023, so it is 165 years old, older than the Pennsylvania average of 54.8 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 50 vehicles a day, projected to reach 250 by 2030. The structure is 65 ft (19.8 m) long and 14 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

CarriesCovered Bridge RD
CrossesLower Little Swatara CR
Location0.1 MI South of SR 895
RouteCity Street 0
Coordinates40.5441, -76.32556
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck9 ExcellentNo problems noted.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionNovember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating16 US tons
Inventory rating11 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadH 10
Structure length65 ft (19.8 m)
Longest span50 ft (15.2 m)
Deck width14 ft (4.4 m)
Roadway width11 ft (3.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deck10 ft (2.9 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic50 (1980)
Projected traffic250 by 2030
Trucks—
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusListed on the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$257,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Covered Bridge RD over Lower Little Swatara CR built?

It was built in 1860, making it 165 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2023.

What condition is Covered Bridge RD over Lower Little Swatara CR in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in November 2023.

How much traffic does Covered Bridge RD over Lower Little Swatara CR carry?

About 50 vehicles per day (1980 count).

How long is Covered Bridge RD over Lower Little Swatara CR?

The structure is 65 ft (19.8 m) long with a longest span of 50 ft (15.2 m) and a deck 14 ft wide.

Who owns Covered Bridge RD over Lower Little Swatara CR?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.