US Bridges

New Wharf RD over Swan Creek

Fair

Kent County, Delaware · East of Milford · Structure no. 2409A409

Built
1971
54 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
63 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
272
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

New Wharf RD over Swan Creek is a concrete continuous slab carrying New Wharf RD over Swan Creek in Kent County, Delaware. It was built in 1971, so it is 54 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 272 vehicles a day, roughly 17% of them trucks, projected to reach 325 by 2042. The structure is 63 ft (19.2 m) long and 40 ft wide.

Location

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CarriesNew Wharf RD
CrossesSwan Creek
LocationEast of Milford
RouteCounty Highway 409
CountyKent County
StateDelaware
Coordinates38.93746, -75.40316
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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating35.1 US tons
Inventory rating27.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length63 ft (19.2 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width40 ft (12.1 m)
Roadway width36 ft (11.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic272 (2022)
Projected traffic325 by 2042
Trucks17%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed—
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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$376,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was New Wharf RD over Swan Creek built?

It was built in 1971, making it 54 years old in 2025.

What condition is New Wharf RD over Swan Creek 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 July 2023.

How much traffic does New Wharf RD over Swan Creek carry?

About 272 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 17% are trucks.

How long is New Wharf RD over Swan Creek?

The structure is 63 ft (19.2 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 40 ft wide.

Who owns New Wharf RD over Swan Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.