US Bridges

Sheep Hole Road over Tinicum Creek

Fair

Bucks County, Pennsylvania · Tinicum Township 10J08 · Structure no. 000000000007561

Built
1900
125 years old, rebuilt 1985
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel
Length
63 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
50
2000 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Sheep Hole Road over Tinicum Creek is a steel truss - thru carrying Sheep Hole Road over Tinicum Creek in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. It was built in 1900 and reconstructed in 1985, so it is 125 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 70 by 2013. The structure is 63 ft (19.2 m) long and 18 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSheep Hole Road
CrossesTinicum Creek
LocationTinicum Township 10J08
RouteCity Street 0
CountyBucks County
StatePennsylvania
Coordinates40.47369, -75.14313
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.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMay 2024
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 geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating61 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length63 ft (19.2 m)
Longest span62 ft (18.9 m)
Deck width18 ft (5.5 m)
Roadway width18 ft (5.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic50 (2000)
Projected traffic70 by 2013
Trucks—
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

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusEligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$153,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Sheep Hole Road over Tinicum Creek built?

It was built in 1900, making it 125 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1985.

What condition is Sheep Hole 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 May 2024.

How much traffic does Sheep Hole Road over Tinicum Creek carry?

About 50 vehicles per day (2000 count).

How long is Sheep Hole Road over Tinicum Creek?

The structure is 63 ft (19.2 m) long with a longest span of 62 ft (18.9 m) and a deck 18 ft wide.

Who owns Sheep Hole Road over Tinicum Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.