US Bridges

Foulk RD / SR261 over Matson Run

Fair

New Castle County, Delaware · North of Wilmington · Structure no. 1035 203

Built
1958
67 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
24 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
13,089
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Foulk RD / SR261 over Matson Run is a concrete culvert carrying Foulk RD / SR261 over Matson Run in New Castle County, Delaware. It was built in 1958, so it is 67 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 13,089 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 17,214 by 2042. The structure is 24 ft (7.3 m) long and 73 ft wide.

Location

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CarriesFoulk RD / SR261
CrossesMatson Run
LocationNorth of Wilmington
RouteState Highway 203
CountyNew Castle County
StateDelaware
Coordinates39.78344, -75.53881
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
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMay 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 rating48.2 US tons
Inventory rating33.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length24 ft (7.3 m)
Longest span11 ft (3.5 m)
Deck width73 ft (22.2 m)
Roadway width50 ft (15.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic13,089 (2023)
Projected traffic17,214 by 2042
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed—
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 Matson Run built?

It was built in 1958, making it 67 years old in 2025.

What condition is Foulk RD / SR261 over Matson Run 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 May 2024.

How much traffic does Foulk RD / SR261 over Matson Run carry?

About 13,089 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is Foulk RD / SR261 over Matson Run?

The structure is 24 ft (7.3 m) long with a longest span of 11 ft (3.5 m) and a deck 73 ft wide.

Who owns Foulk RD / SR261 over Matson Run?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.