Roebling's Delaware Aqueduct

Roebling's Delaware Aqueduct is a suspension bridge spanning about 535 feet across the Delaware River and connecting New York and Pennsylvania. The structure uses a wire cable system and retains original wooden icebreakers and restored walkways that preserve its historical character.

Built in 1849 by engineer John Augustus Roebling, the structure was designed as part of the Delaware and Hudson Canal system for coal transport between states. It marked the beginning of a new era in bridge design where wire cable systems were first used on a large scale.

The structure shapes how people relate to the Delaware River valley and represents a period when engineering innovation became part of everyday life. Today, visitors encounter it as a meeting point between two states and a symbol of the region's industrial heritage.

The structure currently allows one-way vehicle traffic and offers pedestrian access with viewing areas along the walkways. Visitors should be prepared for uneven terrain and allow time to explore the surroundings, especially if viewing the restored details up close.

The structure is the oldest existing wire suspension bridge in the United States, preserving a unique chapter in engineering history. Its wooden icebreakers and restored walkways still show the craftsmanship of 19th-century construction.

Location: Highland

Location: Lackawaxen Township

Location: Minisink Ford

Architects: John Augustus Roebling

Official opening: 1849

Length: 163 m

GPS coordinates: 41.48260,-74.98440

Latest update: December 7, 2025 20:26