US Bridges

Foulk RD/SR261 over S. Branch Naamans Creek

Fair

New Castle County, Delaware · N/W of Arden · Structure no. 1026 203

Built
1965
60 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2021
Type
Box Beam or Girders - Multiple
Prestressed Concrete
Length
58 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
9,448
2019 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Foulk RD/SR261 over S. Branch Naamans Creek is a prestressed concrete box beam or girders - multiple carrying Foulk RD/SR261 over S. Branch Naamans Creek in New Castle County, Delaware. It was built in 1965, so it is 60 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 9,448 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 11,854 by 2042. The structure is 58 ft (17.6 m) long and 72 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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CarriesFoulk RD/SR261
CrossesS. Branch Naamans Creek
LocationN/W of Arden
RouteState Highway 261
CountyNew Castle County
StateDelaware
Coordinates39.82579, -75.50062
Functional classUrban Minor Arterial

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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionFebruary 2021
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating62.5 US tons
Inventory rating44.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeBox Beam or Girders - Multiple
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length58 ft (17.6 m)
Longest span54 ft (16.4 m)
Deck width72 ft (21.9 m)
Roadway width62 ft (18.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic9,448 (2019)
Projected traffic11,854 by 2042
Trucks9%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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$446,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Foulk RD/SR261 over S. Branch Naamans Creek built?

It was built in 1965, making it 60 years old in 2025.

What condition is Foulk RD/SR261 over S. Branch Naamans 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 2021.

How much traffic does Foulk RD/SR261 over S. Branch Naamans Creek carry?

About 9,448 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is Foulk RD/SR261 over S. Branch Naamans Creek?

The structure is 58 ft (17.6 m) long with a longest span of 54 ft (16.4 m) and a deck 72 ft wide.

Who owns Foulk RD/SR261 over S. Branch Naamans Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.