US Bridges

Hourglass RD over Tappahanna Ditch

Fair

Kent County, Delaware · N.E. of Marydel · Structure no. 2103A103

Built
1958
67 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Box Beam or Girders - Multiple
Prestressed Concrete
Length
31 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
1,078
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Hourglass RD over Tappahanna Ditch is a prestressed concrete box beam or girders - multiple carrying Hourglass RD over Tappahanna Ditch in Kent County, Delaware. It was built in 1958, so it is 67 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 1,078 vehicles a day, roughly 17% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,460 by 2042. The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long and 37 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

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CarriesHourglass RD
CrossesTappahanna Ditch
LocationN.E. of Marydel
RouteCounty Highway 103
CountyKent County
StateDelaware
Coordinates39.13521, -75.69091
Functional classRural Local

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 protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
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 adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating76.1 US tons
Inventory rating59 US tons

Structure

Structure typeBox Beam or Girders - Multiple
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length31 ft (9.4 m)
Longest span28 ft (8.5 m)
Deck width37 ft (11.3 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,078 (2023)
Projected traffic1,460 by 2042
Trucks17%
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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$1 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Hourglass RD over Tappahanna Ditch built?

It was built in 1958, making it 67 years old in 2025.

What condition is Hourglass RD over Tappahanna Ditch 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 Hourglass RD over Tappahanna Ditch carry?

About 1,078 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 17% are trucks.

How long is Hourglass RD over Tappahanna Ditch?

The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long with a longest span of 28 ft (8.5 m) and a deck 37 ft wide.

Who owns Hourglass RD over Tappahanna Ditch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.