US Bridges

Sandy Bend RD over Tappahanna Ditch

Good

Kent County, Delaware · East of Marydel · Structure no. 2222A222

Built
1957
68 years old, rebuilt 2010
Condition
Good
inspected September 2023
Type
Box Beam or Girders - Multiple
Prestressed Concrete
Length
43 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
1,404
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Sandy Bend RD over Tappahanna Ditch is a prestressed concrete box beam or girders - multiple carrying Sandy Bend RD over Tappahanna Ditch in Kent County, Delaware. It was built in 1957 and reconstructed in 2010, so it is 68 years old, older 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 1,404 vehicles a day, roughly 17% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,009 by 2042. The structure is 43 ft (13.1 m) long and 36 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSandy Bend RD
CrossesTappahanna Ditch
LocationEast of Marydel
RouteCounty Highway 222
CountyKent County
StateDelaware
Coordinates39.10997, -75.72754
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionSeptember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than 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 rating58.5 US tons
Inventory rating46.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeBox Beam or Girders - Multiple
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length43 ft (13.1 m)
Longest span40 ft (12.2 m)
Deck width36 ft (11.1 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,404 (2022)
Projected traffic1,009 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$515,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Sandy Bend RD over Tappahanna Ditch built?

It was built in 1957, making it 68 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2010.

What condition is Sandy Bend RD 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 September 2023.

How much traffic does Sandy Bend RD over Tappahanna Ditch carry?

About 1,404 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 17% are trucks.

How long is Sandy Bend RD over Tappahanna Ditch?

The structure is 43 ft (13.1 m) long with a longest span of 40 ft (12.2 m) and a deck 36 ft wide.

Who owns Sandy Bend RD over Tappahanna Ditch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.