US Bridges

Upper Union Mill over Delaware Canal

PoorPosted for load

Bucks County, Pennsylvania · SE New Hope · Structure no. 000000000007729

Built
1962
63 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected April 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
29 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
110
2012 count
Owner
State
State Park, Forest, or Reservation Agency

About this bridge

Upper Union Mill over Delaware Canal is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Upper Union Mill over Delaware Canal in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. It was built in 1962, so it is 63 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 110 vehicles a day, projected to reach 150 by 2032. The structure is 29 ft (8.8 m) long and 20 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUpper Union Mill
CrossesDelaware Canal
LocationSE New Hope
RouteState Lands Road 0
CountyBucks County
StatePennsylvania
Coordinates40.3532, -74.9484
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
Deck4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionApril 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating13 US tons
Inventory rating8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 20
Structure length29 ft (8.8 m)
Longest span28 ft (8.5 m)
Deck width20 ft (6.2 m)
Roadway width17 ft (5.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic110 (2012)
Projected traffic150 by 2032
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-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 statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$40,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Upper Union Mill over Delaware Canal built?

It was built in 1962, making it 63 years old in 2025.

What condition is Upper Union Mill 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 April 2024.

How much traffic does Upper Union Mill over Delaware Canal carry?

About 110 vehicles per day (2012 count).

How long is Upper Union Mill over Delaware Canal?

The structure is 29 ft (8.8 m) long with a longest span of 28 ft (8.5 m) and a deck 20 ft wide.

Who owns Upper Union Mill over Delaware Canal?

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