US Bridges

Pa 304 over Sweitzers Run

Fair

Union County, Pennsylvania · 3 MI N of New Berlin · Structure no. 000000000033460

Built
1941
84 years old, rebuilt 2003
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
45 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
2,663
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Pa 304 over Sweitzers Run is a concrete tee beam carrying Pa 304 over Sweitzers Run in Union County, Pennsylvania. It was built in 1941 and reconstructed in 2003, so it is 84 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 2,663 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,752 by 2032. The structure is 45 ft (13.7 m) long and 27 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 26.1 mi (42 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesPa 304
CrossesSweitzers Run
Location3 MI N of New Berlin
RouteState Highway 304
CountyUnion County
StatePennsylvania
Coordinates40.88859, -77.03872
Functional classRural Major 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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
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 rating78 US tons
Inventory rating47 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length45 ft (13.7 m)
Longest span43 ft (13.1 m)
Deck width27 ft (8.3 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,663 (2023)
Projected traffic3,752 by 2032
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed26.1 mi (42 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$894,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Pa 304 over Sweitzers Run built?

It was built in 1941, making it 84 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2003.

What condition is Pa 304 over Sweitzers Run 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 May 2024.

How much traffic does Pa 304 over Sweitzers Run carry?

About 2,663 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is Pa 304 over Sweitzers Run?

The structure is 45 ft (13.7 m) long with a longest span of 43 ft (13.1 m) and a deck 27 ft wide.

Who owns Pa 304 over Sweitzers Run?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.