US Bridges

Smith Bridge RD over Brandywine Creek

Fair

New Castle County, Delaware · N. of Brandywine Creek SP · Structure no. 1009 221

Built
1839
186 years old, rebuilt 2002
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
143 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
3,224
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Smith Bridge RD over Brandywine Creek is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Smith Bridge RD over Brandywine Creek in New Castle County, Delaware. It was built in 1839 and reconstructed in 2002, so it is 186 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 3,224 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,946 by 2042. The structure is 143 ft (43.6 m) long and 17 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 4.3 mi (7 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSmith Bridge RD
CrossesBrandywine Creek
LocationN. of Brandywine Creek SP
RouteCounty Highway 221
CountyNew Castle County
StateDelaware
Coordinates39.83773, -75.5791
Functional classUrban 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 inspectionFebruary 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Operating rating88.6 US tons
Inventory rating68.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckWood or timber
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length143 ft (43.6 m)
Longest span45 ft (13.7 m)
Deck width17 ft (5.2 m)
Roadway width15 ft (4.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deck13 ft (3.9 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,224 (2022)
Projected traffic2,946 by 2042
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed4.3 mi (7 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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$365,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Smith Bridge RD over Brandywine Creek built?

It was built in 1839, making it 186 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2002.

What condition is Smith Bridge RD 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 February 2023.

How much traffic does Smith Bridge RD over Brandywine Creek carry?

About 3,224 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is Smith Bridge RD over Brandywine Creek?

The structure is 143 ft (43.6 m) long with a longest span of 45 ft (13.7 m) and a deck 17 ft wide.

Who owns Smith Bridge RD over Brandywine Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.