US Bridges

Del 896 US71 301S over C&d Canal

Fair

New Castle County, Delaware · 9 MI W of Reedy Point · Structure no. 000000001494016

Built
1959
66 years old, rebuilt 1987
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel
Length
2,058 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
23,111
2023 count
Owner
Federal
Corps of Engineers (Civil)

About this bridge

Del 896 US71 301S over C&d Canal is a steel truss - thru carrying Del 896 US71 301S over C&d Canal in New Castle County, Delaware. It was built in 1959 and reconstructed in 1987, so it is 66 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 5 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 23,111 vehicles a day, roughly 25% of them trucks, projected to reach 61,724 by 2043. The structure is 2,058 ft (627.3 m) long and 64 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

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CarriesDel 896 US71 301S
CrossesC&d Canal
Location9 MI W of Reedy Point
RouteState Highway 896
CountyNew Castle County
StateDelaware
Coordinates39.54083, -75.73833
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourCountermeasures installed to correct a previously existing problem
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating30.3 US tons
Inventory rating23.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3 (+6 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length2,058 ft (627.3 m)
Longest span600 ft (182.9 m)
Deck width64 ft (19.5 m)
Roadway width58 ft (17.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deck16 ft (4.9 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic23,111 (2023)
Projected traffic61,724 by 2043
Trucks25%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCorps of Engineers (Civil)
Maintained byCorps of Engineers (Civil)
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$510,000 (2018 estimate)
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was Del 896 US71 301S over C&d Canal built?

It was built in 1959, making it 66 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1987.

What condition is Del 896 US71 301S over C&d Canal 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 June 2024.

How much traffic does Del 896 US71 301S over C&d Canal carry?

About 23,111 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 25% are trucks.

How long is Del 896 US71 301S over C&d Canal?

The structure is 2,058 ft (627.3 m) long with a longest span of 600 ft (182.9 m) and a deck 64 ft wide.

Who owns Del 896 US71 301S over C&d Canal?

It is owned by the Corps of Engineers (Civil).