US Bridges

Tappahanna Bridge over Tappahanna Ditch

Good

Kent County, Delaware · East of Marydel · Structure no. 2221A221

Built
2022
3 years old
Condition
Good
inspected November 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
25 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
201
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Tappahanna Bridge over Tappahanna Ditch is a concrete culvert carrying Tappahanna Bridge over Tappahanna Ditch in Kent County, Delaware. It was built in 2022, so it is 3 years old, younger than the Delaware average of 47.3 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 201 vehicles a day, roughly 17% of them trucks, projected to reach 280 by 2042. The structure is 25 ft (7.6 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

CarriesTappahanna Bridge
CrossesTappahanna Ditch
LocationEast of Marydel
RouteCounty Highway 221
Coordinates39.11575, -75.71403
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionNovember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating63.9 US tons
Inventory rating49.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans1
Design loadHL 93
Structure length25 ft (7.6 m)
Longest span25 ft (7.6 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic201 (2023)
Projected traffic280 by 2042
Trucks17%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed0.6 mi (1 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 Tappahanna Bridge over Tappahanna Ditch built?

It was built in 2022, making it 3 years old in 2025.

What condition is Tappahanna Bridge over Tappahanna Ditch in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in November 2024.

How much traffic does Tappahanna Bridge over Tappahanna Ditch carry?

About 201 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 17% are trucks.

How long is Tappahanna Bridge over Tappahanna Ditch?

The structure is 25 ft (7.6 m) long with a longest span of 25 ft (7.6 m).

Who owns Tappahanna Bridge over Tappahanna Ditch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.