US Bridges

Towpath Access over Delaware Canal

Poor

Bucks County, Pennsylvania · NW of Brownsburg · Structure no. 000000000007725

Built
1832
193 years old, rebuilt 1962
Condition
Poor
inspected March 2023
Type
Box Beam or Girders - Multiple
Prestressed Concrete
Length
49 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
4
2012 count
Owner
State
State Park, Forest, or Reservation Agency

About this bridge

Towpath Access over Delaware Canal is a prestressed concrete box beam or girders - multiple carrying Towpath Access over Delaware Canal in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. It was built in 1832 and reconstructed in 1962, 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 poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

It carries about 4 vehicles a day, projected to reach 6 by 2032. The structure is 49 ft (14.9 m) long and 12 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

CarriesTowpath Access
CrossesDelaware Canal
LocationNW of Brownsburg
RouteState Lands Road 0
Coordinates40.3254, -74.9252
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

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.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating57 US tons
Inventory rating33 US tons

Structure

MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckOther
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length49 ft (14.9 m)
Longest span47 ft (14.3 m)
Deck width12 ft (3.7 m)
Roadway width12 ft (3.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4 (2012)
Projected traffic6 by 2032
Trucks0%
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$50,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Towpath Access over Delaware Canal built?

It was built in 1832, making it 193 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1962.

What condition is Towpath Access over Delaware Canal in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in March 2023.

How much traffic does Towpath Access over Delaware Canal carry?

About 4 vehicles per day (2012 count).

How long is Towpath Access over Delaware Canal?

The structure is 49 ft (14.9 m) long with a longest span of 47 ft (14.3 m) and a deck 12 ft wide.

Who owns Towpath Access over Delaware Canal?

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