US Bridges

Carpenter Bridge over Murderkill River

Fair

Kent County, Delaware · S.W. of Frederica · Structure no. 2035A035

Built
1962
63 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Box Beam or Girders - Multiple
Prestressed Concrete
Length
80 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
2,333
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Carpenter Bridge over Murderkill River is a prestressed concrete box beam or girders - multiple carrying Carpenter Bridge over Murderkill River in Kent County, Delaware. It was built in 1962, so it is 63 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 6 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 2,333 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,055 by 2042. The structure is 80 ft (24.4 m) long and 40 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCarpenter Bridge
CrossesMurderkill River
LocationS.W. of Frederica
RouteCounty Highway 35
CountyKent County
StateDelaware
Coordinates38.98913, -75.49421
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating78.9 US tons
Inventory rating61.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeBox Beam or Girders - Multiple
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length80 ft (24.4 m)
Longest span38 ft (11.5 m)
Deck width40 ft (12.2 m)
Roadway width36 ft (11.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,333 (2022)
Projected traffic2,055 by 2042
Trucks12%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Carpenter Bridge over Murderkill River built?

It was built in 1962, making it 63 years old in 2025.

What condition is Carpenter Bridge over Murderkill 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 July 2023.

How much traffic does Carpenter Bridge over Murderkill River carry?

About 2,333 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is Carpenter Bridge over Murderkill River?

The structure is 80 ft (24.4 m) long with a longest span of 38 ft (11.5 m) and a deck 40 ft wide.

Who owns Carpenter Bridge over Murderkill River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.