US Bridges

Uhlerstown Hill RD over Penn Canal

FairPosted for load

Bucks County, Pennsylvania · Uhlertown Covered 2585-J6 · Structure no. 000000000007570

Built
1856
169 years old, rebuilt 1985
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
102 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
50
2001 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Uhlerstown Hill RD over Penn Canal is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Uhlerstown Hill RD over Penn Canal in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. It was built in 1856 and reconstructed in 1985, so it is 169 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 50 vehicles a day, projected to reach 70 by 2013. The structure is 102 ft (31.1 m) long and 16 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUhlerstown Hill RD
CrossesPenn Canal
LocationUhlertown Covered 2585-J6
RouteCity Street 0
CountyBucks County
StatePennsylvania
Coordinates40.52544, -75.07314
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Operating rating22 US tons
Inventory rating16 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadH 20
Structure length102 ft (31.1 m)
Longest span90 ft (27.4 m)
Deck width16 ft (4.9 m)
Roadway width15 ft (4.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deck11 ft (3.4 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic50 (2001)
Projected traffic70 by 2013
Trucks—
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 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$82,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Uhlerstown Hill RD over Penn Canal built?

It was built in 1856, making it 169 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1985.

What condition is Uhlerstown Hill RD over Penn Canal 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 Uhlerstown Hill RD over Penn Canal carry?

About 50 vehicles per day (2001 count).

How long is Uhlerstown Hill RD over Penn Canal?

The structure is 102 ft (31.1 m) long with a longest span of 90 ft (27.4 m) and a deck 16 ft wide.

Who owns Uhlerstown Hill RD over Penn Canal?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.