US Bridges

Walther Road over Christina Creek

Fair

New Castle County, Delaware · Northwest of Bear · Structure no. 1260 346

Built
1978
47 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2022
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
194 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
10,511
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Walther Road over Christina Creek is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Walther Road over Christina Creek in New Castle County, Delaware. It was built in 1978, so it is 47 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 10,511 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 13,782 by 2042. The structure is 194 ft (59.1 m) long and 51 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 2.5 mi (4 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesWalther Road
CrossesChristina Creek
LocationNorthwest of Bear
RouteCounty Highway 346
CountyNew Castle County
StateDelaware
Coordinates39.63761, -75.68071
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 inspectionMay 2022
Inspection intervalevery 48 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 adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating59 US tons
Inventory rating42.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length194 ft (59.1 m)
Longest span70 ft (21.3 m)
Deck width51 ft (15.5 m)
Roadway width43 ft (13.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic10,511 (2021)
Projected traffic13,782 by 2042
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed2.5 mi (4 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 Walther Road over Christina Creek built?

It was built in 1978, making it 47 years old in 2025.

What condition is Walther Road over Christina 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 May 2022.

How much traffic does Walther Road over Christina Creek carry?

About 10,511 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is Walther Road over Christina Creek?

The structure is 194 ft (59.1 m) long with a longest span of 70 ft (21.3 m) and a deck 51 ft wide.

Who owns Walther Road over Christina Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.