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Roebling Bridge

Historic Site

Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River is the home of the oldest existing wire suspension bridge in the United States - the Delaware Aqueduct, or Roebling Bridge as it is now known. Begun in 1847 as one of four suspension aqueducts on the Delaware and Hudson Canal, it was designed by and built under the supervision of John A. Roebling, future engineer of the Brooklyn Bridge.

Portions of the D & H Canal, including the Delaware Aqueduct, were designated a National Historic Landmark in 1968. The Delaware Aqueduct is also designated a National Civil Engineering Landmark. The Delaware Aqueduct was one of four suspension aqueducts designed by John Roebling for the D & H Canal.

The aqueduct operated for fifty years until the closing of the canal in 1898. It was then converted to a private toll bridge and underwent a series of modifications through the years. The Delaware Aqueduct continued to function as a vehicular bridge until 1979. In 198 0, the National Park Service purchased the aqueduct to be preserved as part of Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River.

.Almost all of the Delaware Aqueduct’s existing ironwork--cables, saddles, and suspenders--are the same materials installed when the structure was built. The two suspension cables are made of wrought iron strands, spun on site under the direction of John Roebling in 1847.

On the Delaware River, a Class I rapids, with standing waves, begins under the bridge.

Suggested Links

Contact Information
National Park Service
182 Scenic Drive
Lackawaxen NY 18435

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