US Bridges

River Road over Tinicum Creek

Fair

Bucks County, Pennsylvania · Tinicum Township 11K06 · Structure no. 000000000006811

Built
1932
93 years old, rebuilt 1985
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2022
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
169 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
2,382
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

River Road over Tinicum Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying River Road over Tinicum Creek in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. It was built in 1932 and reconstructed in 1985, so it is 93 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 2,382 vehicles a day, roughly 18% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,614 by 2032. The structure is 169 ft (51.5 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 11.8 mi (19 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRiver Road
CrossesTinicum Creek
LocationTinicum Township 11K06
RouteState Highway 32
CountyBucks County
StatePennsylvania
Coordinates40.48591, -75.06907
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 inspectionOctober 2022
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
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 alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating91.1 US tons
Inventory rating54 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 25 or greater
Structure length169 ft (51.5 m)
Longest span42 ft (12.8 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.4 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,382 (2024)
Projected traffic2,614 by 2032
Trucks18%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed11.8 mi (19 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$313,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was River Road over Tinicum Creek built?

It was built in 1932, making it 93 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1985.

What condition is River Road over Tinicum Creek 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 October 2022.

How much traffic does River Road over Tinicum Creek carry?

About 2,382 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 18% are trucks.

How long is River Road over Tinicum Creek?

The structure is 169 ft (51.5 m) long with a longest span of 42 ft (12.8 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns River Road over Tinicum Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.