US Bridges

Mearns Road over Branch Little Neshaminy

Poor

Bucks County, Pennsylvania · 400ALMSHOUSE Rd. 30B12 · Structure no. 000000000007327

Built
1934
91 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected April 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
25 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
3,559
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Mearns Road over Branch Little Neshaminy is a concrete tee beam carrying Mearns Road over Branch Little Neshaminy in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. It was built in 1934, so it is 91 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.

It carries about 3,559 vehicles a day, roughly 17% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,074 by 2032. The structure is 25 ft (7.6 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

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CarriesMearns Road
CrossesBranch Little Neshaminy
Location400ALMSHOUSE Rd. 30B12
RouteState Highway 0
CountyBucks County
StatePennsylvania
Coordinates40.23669, -75.05913
Functional classUrban Collector

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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionApril 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be 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 rating58 US tons
Inventory rating35.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 20
Structure length25 ft (7.6 m)
Longest span24 ft (7.3 m)
Deck width26 ft (7.9 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,559 (2023)
Projected traffic5,074 by 2032
Trucks17%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$422,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Mearns Road over Branch Little Neshaminy built?

It was built in 1934, making it 91 years old in 2025.

What condition is Mearns Road over Branch Little Neshaminy 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 April 2023.

How much traffic does Mearns Road over Branch Little Neshaminy carry?

About 3,559 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 17% are trucks.

How long is Mearns Road over Branch Little Neshaminy?

The structure is 25 ft (7.6 m) long with a longest span of 24 ft (7.3 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns Mearns Road over Branch Little Neshaminy?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.