US Bridges

Shipley Rd. over Shellpot Creek

Fair

New Castle County, Delaware · N/E of Wilmington · Structure no. 1044 214

Built
1991
34 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2023
Type
Culvert
Steel
Length
64 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
9,380
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Shipley Rd. over Shellpot Creek is a steel culvert carrying Shipley Rd. over Shellpot Creek in New Castle County, Delaware. It was built in 1991, so it is 34 years old, younger 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 9,380 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 12,416 by 2042. The structure is 64 ft (19.6 m) long and 44 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesShipley Rd.
CrossesShellpot Creek
LocationN/E of Wilmington
RouteCounty Highway 214
CountyNew Castle County
StateDelaware
Coordinates39.77209, -75.51731
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
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionFebruary 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating107.1 US tons
Inventory rating107.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialSteel
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length64 ft (19.6 m)
Longest span19 ft (5.9 m)
Deck width44 ft (13.5 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic9,380 (2021)
Projected traffic12,416 by 2042
Trucks9%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Shipley Rd. over Shellpot Creek built?

It was built in 1991, making it 34 years old in 2025.

What condition is Shipley Rd. 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 February 2023.

How much traffic does Shipley Rd. over Shellpot Creek carry?

About 9,380 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is Shipley Rd. over Shellpot Creek?

The structure is 64 ft (19.6 m) long with a longest span of 19 ft (5.9 m) and a deck 44 ft wide.

Who owns Shipley Rd. over Shellpot Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.