US Bridges

Milk House Drive over Delaware Canal

FairPosted for load

Bucks County, Pennsylvania · Between Pa 32 and SR 2071 · Structure no. 000000000007719

Built
1832
193 years old, rebuilt 1972
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2024
Type
Truss - Thru
Wood or Timber
Length
50 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
10
2013 count
Owner
State
State Park, Forest, or Reservation Agency

About this bridge

Milk House Drive over Delaware Canal is a wood or timber truss - thru carrying Milk House Drive over Delaware Canal in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. It was built in 1832 and reconstructed in 1972, so it is 193 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 10 vehicles a day, projected to reach 15 by 2033. The structure is 50 ft (15.2 m) long and 12 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

Location

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CarriesMilk House Drive
CrossesDelaware Canal
LocationBetween Pa 32 and SR 2071
RouteState Lands Road 0
CountyBucks County
StatePennsylvania
Coordinates40.2724, -74.8617
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.
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 inspectionMarch 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating10 US tons
Inventory rating7.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length50 ft (15.2 m)
Longest span47 ft (14.3 m)
Deck width12 ft (3.7 m)
Roadway width10 ft (3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic10 (2013)
Projected traffic15 by 2033
Trucks—
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed98.8 mi (159 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Park, Forest, or Reservation Agency
Maintained byState Park, Forest, or Reservation Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$30,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Milk House Drive over Delaware Canal built?

It was built in 1832, making it 193 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1972.

What condition is Milk House Drive over Delaware 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 March 2024.

How much traffic does Milk House Drive over Delaware Canal carry?

About 10 vehicles per day (2013 count).

How long is Milk House Drive over Delaware Canal?

The structure is 50 ft (15.2 m) long with a longest span of 47 ft (14.3 m) and a deck 12 ft wide.

Who owns Milk House Drive over Delaware Canal?

It is owned by the State Park, Forest, or Reservation Agency.