US Bridges

Lucks DR over Shades Branch

Fair

Kent County, Delaware · S.E. of Marydel · Structure no. 2223A223

Built
1985
40 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2021
Type
Box Beam or Girders - Multiple
Prestressed Concrete
Length
48 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
417
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Lucks DR over Shades Branch is a prestressed concrete box beam or girders - multiple carrying Lucks DR over Shades Branch in Kent County, Delaware. It was built in 1985, so it is 40 years old, younger 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 417 vehicles a day, roughly 13% of them trucks, projected to reach 518 by 2042. The structure is 48 ft (14.7 m) long and 33 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesLucks DR
CrossesShades Branch
LocationS.E. of Marydel
RouteCounty Highway 223
CountyKent County
StateDelaware
Coordinates39.07924, -75.68422
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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionSeptember 2021
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating56.4 US tons
Inventory rating43.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeBox Beam or Girders - Multiple
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length48 ft (14.7 m)
Longest span46 ft (14.1 m)
Deck width33 ft (10 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic417 (2020)
Projected traffic518 by 2042
Trucks13%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 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 Lucks DR over Shades Branch built?

It was built in 1985, making it 40 years old in 2025.

What condition is Lucks DR over Shades Branch 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 2021.

How much traffic does Lucks DR over Shades Branch carry?

About 417 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 13% are trucks.

How long is Lucks DR over Shades Branch?

The structure is 48 ft (14.7 m) long with a longest span of 46 ft (14.1 m) and a deck 33 ft wide.

Who owns Lucks DR over Shades Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.