US Bridges

Chapman Rd. over Waterway

Fair

New Castle County, Delaware · W. of Christiana · Structure no. 1246 347

Built
1983
42 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2024
Type
Culvert
Steel
Length
25 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
8,939
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Chapman Rd. over Waterway is a steel culvert carrying Chapman Rd. over Waterway in New Castle County, Delaware. It was built in 1983, so it is 42 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 5 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 8,939 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 13,507 by 2042. The structure is 25 ft (7.6 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesChapman Rd.
CrossesWaterway
LocationW. of Christiana
RouteCounty Highway 347
CountyNew Castle County
StateDelaware
Coordinates39.66632, -75.69067
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.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionMarch 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: 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 rating60 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialSteel
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length25 ft (7.6 m)
Longest span11 ft (3.3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic8,939 (2022)
Projected traffic13,507 by 2042
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed0.6 mi (1 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$23,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Chapman Rd. over Waterway built?

It was built in 1983, making it 42 years old in 2025.

What condition is Chapman Rd. over Waterway 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 March 2024.

How much traffic does Chapman Rd. over Waterway carry?

About 8,939 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is Chapman Rd. over Waterway?

The structure is 25 ft (7.6 m) long with a longest span of 11 ft (3.3 m).

Who owns Chapman Rd. over Waterway?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.