US Bridges

Smyrna-Leipsic RD over Leipsic River

FairPosted for load

Kent County, Delaware · Leipsic · Structure no. 2012B012

Built
1952
73 years old, rebuilt 1998
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
547 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
2,314
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Smyrna-Leipsic RD over Leipsic River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Smyrna-Leipsic RD over Leipsic River in Kent County, Delaware. It was built in 1952 and reconstructed in 1998, so it is 73 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 2,314 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,754 by 2042. The structure is 547 ft (166.7 m) long and 29 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

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CarriesSmyrna-Leipsic RD
CrossesLeipsic River
LocationLeipsic
RouteState Highway 9
CountyKent County
StateDelaware
Coordinates39.24557, -75.51764
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating32.8 US tons
Inventory rating25.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3 (+10 approach)
Design loadH 20
Structure length547 ft (166.7 m)
Longest span90 ft (27.4 m)
Deck width29 ft (8.8 m)
Roadway width26 ft (8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,314 (2023)
Projected traffic2,754 by 2042
Trucks12%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$2.4 million
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was Smyrna-Leipsic RD over Leipsic River built?

It was built in 1952, making it 73 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1998.

What condition is Smyrna-Leipsic RD over Leipsic River 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 2024.

How much traffic does Smyrna-Leipsic RD over Leipsic River carry?

About 2,314 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is Smyrna-Leipsic RD over Leipsic River?

The structure is 547 ft (166.7 m) long with a longest span of 90 ft (27.4 m) and a deck 29 ft wide.

Who owns Smyrna-Leipsic RD over Leipsic River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.