US Bridges

Sandbox RD over Browns Branch

Fair

Kent County, Delaware · N.E. of Harrington · Structure no. 2398B398

Built
1966
59 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2023
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
24 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
426
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Sandbox RD over Browns Branch is a concrete slab carrying Sandbox RD over Browns Branch in Kent County, Delaware. It was built in 1966, so it is 59 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 426 vehicles a day, roughly 17% of them trucks, projected to reach 500 by 2042. The structure is 24 ft (7.3 m) long and 32 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSandbox RD
CrossesBrowns Branch
LocationN.E. of Harrington
RouteCounty Highway 398
CountyKent County
StateDelaware
Coordinates38.95892, -75.50862
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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionSeptember 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 adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating37.8 US tons
Inventory rating29.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length24 ft (7.3 m)
Longest span23 ft (7 m)
Deck width32 ft (9.8 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic426 (2022)
Projected traffic500 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Sandbox RD over Browns Branch built?

It was built in 1966, making it 59 years old in 2025.

What condition is Sandbox RD over Browns 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 2023.

How much traffic does Sandbox RD over Browns Branch carry?

About 426 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 17% are trucks.

How long is Sandbox RD over Browns Branch?

The structure is 24 ft (7.3 m) long with a longest span of 23 ft (7 m) and a deck 32 ft wide.

Who owns Sandbox RD over Browns Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.