US Bridges

SR 7 / N. Old Balt over Trib. to Christina River

Fair

New Castle County, Delaware · North of Christiana · Structure no. 1266 026

Built
1950
75 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
27 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
6,632
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 7 / N. Old Balt over Trib. to Christina River is a concrete culvert carrying SR 7 / N. Old Balt over Trib. to Christina River in New Castle County, Delaware. It was built in 1950, so it is 75 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 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 6,632 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 8,961 by 2042. The structure is 27 ft (8.2 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR 7 / N. Old Balt
CrossesTrib. to Christina River
LocationNorth of Christiana
RouteState Highway 26
CountyNew Castle County
StateDelaware
Coordinates39.67211, -75.65838
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 protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
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 adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating60 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length27 ft (8.2 m)
Longest span5 ft (1.5 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deck0 ft (0 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,632 (2022)
Projected traffic8,961 by 2042
Trucks7%
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 SR 7 / N. Old Balt over Trib. to Christina River built?

It was built in 1950, making it 75 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR 7 / N. Old Balt over Trib. to Christina River 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 August 2023.

How much traffic does SR 7 / N. Old Balt over Trib. to Christina River carry?

About 6,632 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is SR 7 / N. Old Balt over Trib. to Christina River?

The structure is 27 ft (8.2 m) long with a longest span of 5 ft (1.5 m).

Who owns SR 7 / N. Old Balt over Trib. to Christina River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.