US Bridges

Sterner Mill Road over Poquessing Creek

Fair

Bucks County, Pennsylvania · Lower Southampton 3261-A8 · Structure no. 000000000007504

Built
1919
106 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
26 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
50
1998 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Sterner Mill Road over Poquessing Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Sterner Mill Road over Poquessing Creek in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. It was built in 1919, so it is 106 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 50 vehicles a day, projected to reach 14 by 2011. The structure is 26 ft (7.9 m) long and 20 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSterner Mill Road
CrossesPoquessing Creek
LocationLower Southampton 3261-A8
RouteCity Street 0
CountyBucks County
StatePennsylvania
Coordinates40.13773, -74.99542
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionApril 2024
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 geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating86 US tons
Inventory rating51 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length26 ft (7.9 m)
Longest span22 ft (6.7 m)
Deck width20 ft (6.1 m)
Roadway width18 ft (5.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic50 (1998)
Projected traffic14 by 2011
Trucks—
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty 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$110,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Sterner Mill Road over Poquessing Creek built?

It was built in 1919, making it 106 years old in 2025.

What condition is Sterner Mill Road over Poquessing 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 April 2024.

How much traffic does Sterner Mill Road over Poquessing Creek carry?

About 50 vehicles per day (1998 count).

How long is Sterner Mill Road over Poquessing Creek?

The structure is 26 ft (7.9 m) long with a longest span of 22 ft (6.7 m) and a deck 20 ft wide.

Who owns Sterner Mill Road over Poquessing Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.