US Bridges

Covered Bridge Rd. over Tohickon Creek

Fair

Bucks County, Pennsylvania · Sheards Mill Bdg. 08K12 · Structure no. 000000000007470

Built
1873
152 years old, rebuilt 1971
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
125 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
187
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Covered Bridge Rd. over Tohickon Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Covered Bridge Rd. over Tohickon Creek in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. It was built in 1873 and reconstructed in 1971, so it is 152 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 187 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 272 by 2032. The structure is 125 ft (38.1 m) long and 19 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

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CarriesCovered Bridge Rd.
CrossesTohickon Creek
LocationSheards Mill Bdg. 08K12
RouteState Highway 0
CountyBucks County
StatePennsylvania
Coordinates40.45478, -75.27814
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Fair

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

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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJanuary 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
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 adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Operating rating52 US tons
Inventory rating31 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadH 15
Structure length125 ft (38.1 m)
Longest span116 ft (35.4 m)
Deck width19 ft (5.8 m)
Roadway width15 ft (4.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deck9 ft (2.9 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic187 (2024)
Projected traffic272 by 2032
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusListed on the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$345,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Covered Bridge Rd. over Tohickon Creek built?

It was built in 1873, making it 152 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1971.

What condition is Covered Bridge Rd. over Tohickon 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 January 2023.

How much traffic does Covered Bridge Rd. over Tohickon Creek carry?

About 187 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is Covered Bridge Rd. over Tohickon Creek?

The structure is 125 ft (38.1 m) long with a longest span of 116 ft (35.4 m) and a deck 19 ft wide.

Who owns Covered Bridge Rd. over Tohickon Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.