US Bridges

Rising Sun Lane over Brandywine Creek

Fair

New Castle County, Delaware · N/W Wilmington · Structure no. 1001A279

Built
1900
125 years old, rebuilt 1995
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Arch - Deck
Masonry
Length
25 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
2,103
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Rising Sun Lane over Brandywine Creek is a masonry arch - deck carrying Rising Sun Lane over Brandywine Creek in New Castle County, Delaware. It was built in 1900 and reconstructed in 1995, so it is 125 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 2,103 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,970 by 2042. The structure is 25 ft (7.6 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRising Sun Lane
CrossesBrandywine Creek
LocationN/W Wilmington
RouteCounty Highway 279
CountyNew Castle County
StateDelaware
Coordinates39.76899, -75.57691
Functional classUrban 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
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating60 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeArch - Deck
MaterialMasonry
DeckNot applicable
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length25 ft (7.6 m)
Longest span25 ft (7.6 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.5 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,103 (2023)
Projected traffic2,970 by 2042
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesRelief for waterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusEligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$120,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Rising Sun Lane over Brandywine Creek built?

It was built in 1900, making it 125 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1995.

What condition is Rising Sun Lane over Brandywine 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 June 2024.

How much traffic does Rising Sun Lane over Brandywine Creek carry?

About 2,103 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is Rising Sun Lane over Brandywine Creek?

The structure is 25 ft (7.6 m) long with a longest span of 25 ft (7.6 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns Rising Sun Lane over Brandywine Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.