US Bridges

US Route 13 over C & D Canal

Fair

Kent County, Delaware · 4.5 Mi. W. of Reedy Pt. · Structure no. 000000001495034

Built
1941
84 years old, rebuilt 2024
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Arch - Thru
Steel
Length
4,209 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
10,827
2023 count
Owner
Federal
Corps of Engineers (Civil)

About this bridge

US Route 13 over C & D Canal is a steel arch - thru carrying US Route 13 over C & D Canal in Kent County, Delaware. It was built in 1941 and reconstructed in 2024, so it is 84 years old, older than the Delaware average of 47.3 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in fair condition with a lowest component rating of 5 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 10,827 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 19,479 by 2044. The structure is 4,209 ft (1,282.9 m) long and 55 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 11.2 mi (18 km).

Location

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CarriesUS Route 13
CrossesC & D Canal
Location4.5 Mi. W. of Reedy Pt.
RouteU.S. Route 13
CountyKent County
StateDelaware
Coordinates39.55222, -75.65083
Functional classRural 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
Deck8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourCountermeasures installed to correct a previously existing problem
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating34.6 US tons
Inventory rating26.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeArch - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1 (+41 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length4,209 ft (1,282.9 m)
Longest span540 ft (164.5 m)
Deck width55 ft (16.8 m)
Roadway width51 ft (15.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deck17 ft (5.2 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic10,827 (2023)
Projected traffic19,479 by 2044
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed11.2 mi (18 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo
Strategic Highway NetworkNon-Interstate STRAHNET route

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCorps of Engineers (Civil)
Maintained byCorps of Engineers (Civil)
Historic statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$18.7 million (2024 estimate)
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was US Route 13 over C & D Canal built?

It was built in 1941, making it 84 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2024.

What condition is US Route 13 over C & D 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 August 2024.

How much traffic does US Route 13 over C & D Canal carry?

About 10,827 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is US Route 13 over C & D Canal?

The structure is 4,209 ft (1,282.9 m) long with a longest span of 540 ft (164.5 m) and a deck 55 ft wide.

Who owns US Route 13 over C & D Canal?

It is owned by the Corps of Engineers (Civil).