Why did the truss bridge break up with the beam bridge? It needed more support.
Why did the truss bridge break up with the beam bridge? It needed more support.
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over 4TH AVE RAMPD NS RR
Tarentum Bridge
Parametric wireframe generated from real NBI dimensions. Drag to rotate, scroll to zoom.
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This bridge has a Poor overall condition rating of 4 out of 9. This bridge is classified as being in poor condition, meaning one or more structural components have significant deterioration. Poor condition does not mean the bridge is unsafe to drive on, but it does mean repairs or replacement may be needed.
The bridge carries 18,420 vehicles per day and is 74 years old (reconstructed in 1986).
Its sufficiency rating of 46.3 places it below the national average of 63.6.
The NBI records a navigation clearance of 15 feet — the minimum vertical space below the bridge deck. The total height of the bridge structure (including towers, railings, and superstructure) may be higher.
For travelers with bridge anxiety
This bridge may cause some awareness for travelers with bridge anxiety, but has manageable characteristics.
This bridge is 576 feet long — a short crossing, about 10-15 seconds.
A standard overpass design with solid barriers on each side.
About 15 feet above ground — standard overpass height.
About 18,420 vehicles cross daily — moderate traffic, some congestion possible.
The deck is 31 feet wide with 1-2 lanes — a narrower crossing.
This bridge crosses over land, not water — no water views below.
This comfort score is designed to help individuals with bridge anxiety plan their travel. All bridges in the National Bridge Inventory are regularly inspected and deemed safe for travel. This is not medical advice — if you experience severe anxiety, please consult a healthcare professional.
Year Built
1952
74 years old (rebuilt 1986)
Structure Type
Steel Stringer/Multi-beam/Girder
Total Length
576 ft
175.6 m
Deck Width
31 ft
9.4 m
Spans
8
sections between supports
Max Span
86 ft
longest unsupported section (26.2 m)
Traffic Lanes
2 lanes
One-way traffic
Clearance Below
15 ft
navigation clearance under deck
Clearance height compared to familiar objects
Height shown is the navigation clearance below the bridge deck. The total height of the bridge structure (including towers and superstructure) may be higher.
Daily Traffic
18,420vehicles/day
40.59500°N, 79.75333°W
Steel Stringer/Multi-beam/Girder
A steel stringer bridge uses parallel steel beams (stringers) to support the deck. This is one of the most common bridge types in the US, valued for its simplicity and strength.
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Data from the National Bridge Inventory (NBI), maintained by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA).
Data year: 2025. Conditions may have changed since the last inspection.
This information is provided for educational and informational purposes only. It should not be used as the sole basis for any decisions related to bridge safety or transportation planning. Always consult official sources and local authorities for the most current data.