US Bridges

Newswanger RD over Lower Little Swatara CR

Good

Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania · 0.1 MI North of SR 895 · Structure no. 000000000030956

Built
1860
165 years old, rebuilt 2014
Condition
Good
inspected December 2022
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
50 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
50
2015 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Newswanger RD over Lower Little Swatara CR is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Newswanger RD over Lower Little Swatara CR in Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania. It was built in 1860 and reconstructed in 2014, 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 8 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 50 vehicles a day, projected to reach 450 by 2035. The structure is 50 ft (15.2 m) long and 16 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNewswanger RD
CrossesLower Little Swatara CR
Location0.1 MI North of SR 895
RouteCity Street 0
CountySchuylkill County
StatePennsylvania
Coordinates40.54469, -76.295
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
Deck8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionDecember 2022
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Operating rating55 US tons
Inventory rating41 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length50 ft (15.2 m)
Longest span46 ft (14 m)
Deck width16 ft (4.9 m)
Roadway width15 ft (4.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deck10 ft (3.2 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic50 (2015)
Projected traffic450 by 2035
Trucks—
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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$270,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Newswanger RD over Lower Little Swatara CR built?

It was built in 1860, making it 165 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2014.

What condition is Newswanger 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 December 2022.

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

About 50 vehicles per day (2015 count).

How long is Newswanger RD over Lower Little Swatara CR?

The structure is 50 ft (15.2 m) long with a longest span of 46 ft (14 m) and a deck 16 ft wide.

Who owns Newswanger RD over Lower Little Swatara CR?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.