Roebling's Delaware Aqueduct - Post-construction History

Post-construction History

After the closing of the canal in 1898, the aqueduct was drained and converted for use as a vehicular bridge. Eventually the canal sides and towpaths (walkways for those pulling barges) were removed. It operated as a toll bridge for wagons and later motor vehicles until 1979.

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 bridge was bought by the National Park Service in 1980. The agency reconstructed the bridge's superstructure from Roebling's original plans and specification in 1986, and in 1995, the wooden icebreakers, towpaths and aqueduct walls were reconstructed, restoring the bridge's original appearance as an aqueduct. The bridge is now part of the Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River.