US Bridges

Foulk RD/SR261 over Shellpot Creek

Fair

New Castle County, Delaware · Fairfax · Structure no. 1033 203

Built
1959
66 years old, rebuilt 1992
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2024
Type
Box Beam or Girders - Multiple
Prestressed Concrete
Length
53 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
13,958
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Foulk RD/SR261 over Shellpot Creek is a prestressed concrete box beam or girders - multiple carrying Foulk RD/SR261 over Shellpot Creek in New Castle County, Delaware. It was built in 1959 and reconstructed in 1992, 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 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 13,958 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 19,221 by 2042. The structure is 53 ft (16.2 m) long and 64 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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CarriesFoulk RD/SR261
CrossesShellpot Creek
LocationFairfax
RouteState Highway 261
CountyNew Castle County
StateDelaware
Coordinates39.79515, -75.52729
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionApril 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating79.3 US tons
Inventory rating63.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeBox Beam or Girders - Multiple
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length53 ft (16.2 m)
Longest span52 ft (15.7 m)
Deck width64 ft (19.4 m)
Roadway width50 ft (15.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic13,958 (2022)
Projected traffic19,221 by 2042
Trucks7%
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 proposedWidening of existing bridge without deck rehabilitation
Estimated improvement cost$600,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Foulk RD/SR261 over Shellpot Creek built?

It was built in 1959, making it 66 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1992.

What condition is Foulk RD/SR261 over Shellpot 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 April 2024.

How much traffic does Foulk RD/SR261 over Shellpot Creek carry?

About 13,958 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is Foulk RD/SR261 over Shellpot Creek?

The structure is 53 ft (16.2 m) long with a longest span of 52 ft (15.7 m) and a deck 64 ft wide.

Who owns Foulk RD/SR261 over Shellpot Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.