US Bridges

Maryland AVE/SR4 over Little Mill Creek

Fair

New Castle County, Delaware · West of Wilmington · Structure no. 1160 336

Built
1931
94 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Arch - Deck
Concrete
Length
50 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
17,909
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Maryland AVE/SR4 over Little Mill Creek is a concrete arch - deck carrying Maryland AVE/SR4 over Little Mill Creek in New Castle County, Delaware. It was built in 1931, so it is 94 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 17,909 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 24,601 by 2042. The structure is 50 ft (15.2 m) long and 63 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 2.5 mi (4 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesMaryland AVE/SR4
CrossesLittle Mill Creek
LocationWest of Wilmington
RouteState Highway 4
CountyNew Castle County
StateDelaware
Coordinates39.73201, -75.58044
Functional classUrban Other Principal 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
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating53.2 US tons
Inventory rating41.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeArch - Deck
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length50 ft (15.2 m)
Longest span50 ft (15.2 m)
Deck width63 ft (19.1 m)
Roadway width48 ft (14.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic17,909 (2023)
Projected traffic24,601 by 2042
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed2.5 mi (4 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusEligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$539,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Maryland AVE/SR4 over Little Mill Creek built?

It was built in 1931, making it 94 years old in 2025.

What condition is Maryland AVE/SR4 over Little Mill 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 June 2024.

How much traffic does Maryland AVE/SR4 over Little Mill Creek carry?

About 17,909 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is Maryland AVE/SR4 over Little Mill Creek?

The structure is 50 ft (15.2 m) long with a longest span of 50 ft (15.2 m) and a deck 63 ft wide.

Who owns Maryland AVE/SR4 over Little Mill Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.