US Bridges

Fountain Street over Manayunk Canal

Fair

Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania · Manayunk Canal 3479-C5 · Structure no. 000000000039232

Built
1885
140 years old, rebuilt 1960
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2023
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel
Length
85 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
200
1980 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Fountain Street over Manayunk Canal is a steel truss - thru carrying Fountain Street over Manayunk Canal in Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania. It was built in 1885 and reconstructed in 1960, so it is 140 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 200 vehicles a day, projected to reach 200 by 1980. The structure is 85 ft (25.9 m) long and 16 ft wide.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFountain Street
CrossesManayunk Canal
LocationManayunk Canal 3479-C5
RouteCity Street 0
CountyPhiladelphia County
StatePennsylvania
Coordinates40.03145, -75.2337
Functional classUrban 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
Deck8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionSeptember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Operating rating73 US tons
Inventory rating44 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckOpen grating
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length85 ft (25.9 m)
Longest span81 ft (24.7 m)
Deck width16 ft (5 m)
Roadway width15 ft (4.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic200 (1980)
Projected traffic200 by 1980
Trucks—
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed—
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Maintained byCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Historic statusEligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$377,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Fountain Street over Manayunk Canal built?

It was built in 1885, making it 140 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1960.

What condition is Fountain Street over Manayunk 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 September 2023.

How much traffic does Fountain Street over Manayunk Canal carry?

About 200 vehicles per day (1980 count).

How long is Fountain Street over Manayunk Canal?

The structure is 85 ft (25.9 m) long with a longest span of 81 ft (24.7 m) and a deck 16 ft wide.

Who owns Fountain Street over Manayunk Canal?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.