US Bridges

Cafferty Road over Tinicum Creek

Fair

Bucks County, Pennsylvania · Frankenfield Brdg. 11F08 · Structure no. 000000000007568

Built
1872
153 years old, rebuilt 1978
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
121 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
100
2001 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Cafferty Road over Tinicum Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Cafferty Road over Tinicum Creek in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. It was built in 1872 and reconstructed in 1978, so it is 153 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 100 vehicles a day, projected to reach 140 by 2013. The structure is 121 ft (36.9 m) long and 16 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCafferty Road
CrossesTinicum Creek
LocationFrankenfield Brdg. 11F08
RouteCity Street 0
CountyBucks County
StatePennsylvania
Coordinates40.47575, -75.09941
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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionMarch 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating96 US tons
Inventory rating57 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length121 ft (36.9 m)
Longest span52 ft (15.8 m)
Deck width16 ft (4.9 m)
Roadway width15 ft (4.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deck9 ft (2.7 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic100 (2001)
Projected traffic140 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 statusListed on the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$210,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Cafferty Road over Tinicum Creek built?

It was built in 1872, making it 153 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1978.

What condition is Cafferty 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 March 2024.

How much traffic does Cafferty Road over Tinicum Creek carry?

About 100 vehicles per day (2001 count).

How long is Cafferty Road over Tinicum Creek?

The structure is 121 ft (36.9 m) long with a longest span of 52 ft (15.8 m) and a deck 16 ft wide.

Who owns Cafferty Road over Tinicum Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.