US Bridges

Governor Printz Bl over Darby Creek

Fair

Delaware County, Pennsylvania · Tinicum Twp Line 44D02 · Structure no. 000000000014959

Built
1943
82 years old, rebuilt 2014
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2022
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
328 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
14,181
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Governor Printz Bl over Darby Creek is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Governor Printz Bl over Darby Creek in Delaware County, Pennsylvania. It was built in 1943 and reconstructed in 2014, so it is 82 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 6 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 14,181 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 19,218 by 2032. The structure is 328 ft (100 m) long and 66 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesGovernor Printz Bl
CrossesDarby Creek
LocationTinicum Twp Line 44D02
RouteState Highway 291
CountyDelaware County
StatePennsylvania
Coordinates39.86635, -75.31339
Functional classUrban Minor Arterial

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.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMay 2022
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating72.5 US tons
Inventory rating43.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadHL 93
Structure length328 ft (100 m)
Longest span85 ft (25.9 m)
Deck width66 ft (20.2 m)
Roadway width54 ft (16.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic14,181 (2024)
Projected traffic19,218 by 2032
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$3.3 million
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was Governor Printz Bl over Darby Creek built?

It was built in 1943, making it 82 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2014.

What condition is Governor Printz Bl over Darby 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 May 2022.

How much traffic does Governor Printz Bl over Darby Creek carry?

About 14,181 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is Governor Printz Bl over Darby Creek?

The structure is 328 ft (100 m) long with a longest span of 85 ft (25.9 m) and a deck 66 ft wide.

Who owns Governor Printz Bl over Darby Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.