These Are PA's Most-Used Structurally Deficient Bridges: Study

PENNSYLVANIA — A report by a national transportation research organization indicates that 13 percent of Pennsylvania bridges are in poor condition, with significantly deteriorated span decks, supports or other significant components.

The study by the Washington, DC-based TRIP found that while Pennsylvania bridges in poor shape have decreased from 23 percent to 13 percent since 2013, the percentage is expected to increase to 17 percent by 2029. That's largely because construction costs have risen 69 percent since 2021, according to the report.

The study, released Monday, found that:

• Thirteen percent (2,835 of 22,043) of the state’s bridges (2,835 of 22,043) are in poor condition. Those spans carry 10.1 million vehicles daily.

• Fifty-four percent (11,0r 22,043) are in fair condition, meaning they are structurally sound but the bridge's deck, substructure or superstructure has minor deterioration.

• Thirty-three percent (7,359 or 22,043) are in good condition.

According to the study, here are the five most heavily traveled poor bridges in the Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and Lehigh Valley areas:

PHILADELPHIA

1. Interstate 95, Tacony and Bridge streets near Wakelin Street, 23o,798 vehicles daily.

2. I-95, Fraley Street near Bridge Street, 230,798 vehicles daily.

3. I-95, Comley Street near Van Kirk Street, 230,798 vehicles daily.

4. I-95, Earth Fill and Sewer Access near Frankford Creek, 185,518 vehicles daily.

5. Delaware Expressway, Venango Street near Tiago Street, 145,923 vehicles daily.

PITTSBURGH

1. Pennsylvania Turnpike, Plum Creek near Penn Hills, 38,689 vehicles daily.

2. Washington Avenue, Chartiers Creek near the South End Bridge, 25,048 vehicles daily.

3. Route 22, Racoon Creek in Smith Township, 22,756 vehicles daily.

4. Penn Avenue, East Busway in Pittsburgh, 22,333 vehicles daily.

5. Boulevard of the Allies, Schenley Park (Charles Anderson Bridge, closed for reconstruction).

LEHIGH VALLEY

1. Lehigh County, U.S. 22 near 15th Street exit, 100,082 vehicles daily.

2. Northampton County, PA 33 northbound near PA 191 exit, 28,748 vehicles daily.

3. Northampton County, PA 33 southbound near PA 191 exit, 28,698 vehicles daily.

4. Lehigh County, Ramp to Pennsylvania Turnpike Lehigh Valley interchange, 21,503 vehicles daily.

5. Lehigh County, SR 1011 at Route 378 interchange, 15,604 vehicles daily.

See the entire report here.