US Bridges

Pennsylvania Ave. over Pennsylvania Canal

PoorPosted for load

Bucks County, Pennsylvania · Morrisville Boro. 39C04 · Structure no. 000000000007322

Built
1930
95 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected July 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
68 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
7,243
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Pennsylvania Ave. over Pennsylvania Canal is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Pennsylvania Ave. over Pennsylvania Canal in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. It was built in 1930, so it is 95 years old, older than the Pennsylvania average of 54.8 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 7,243 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 10,512 by 2032. The structure is 68 ft (20.7 m) long and 42 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesPennsylvania Ave.
CrossesPennsylvania Canal
LocationMorrisville Boro. 39C04
RouteState Highway 0
CountyBucks County
StatePennsylvania
Coordinates40.21011, -74.77684
Functional classUrban Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating48 US tons
Inventory rating28 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 15
Structure length68 ft (20.7 m)
Longest span66 ft (20.1 m)
Deck width42 ft (12.9 m)
Roadway width31 ft (9.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic7,243 (2024)
Projected traffic10,512 by 2032
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byRailroad
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$435,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Pennsylvania Ave. over Pennsylvania Canal built?

It was built in 1930, making it 95 years old in 2025.

What condition is Pennsylvania Ave. over Pennsylvania Canal in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in July 2024.

How much traffic does Pennsylvania Ave. over Pennsylvania Canal carry?

About 7,243 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is Pennsylvania Ave. over Pennsylvania Canal?

The structure is 68 ft (20.7 m) long with a longest span of 66 ft (20.1 m) and a deck 42 ft wide.

Who owns Pennsylvania Ave. over Pennsylvania Canal?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency and maintained by the Railroad.