US Bridges

Christiana Bypass over Christina River

Fair

New Castle County, Delaware · W. of New Castle Airport · Structure no. 1279E003

Built
1981
44 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2022
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
221 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
17,840
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Christiana Bypass over Christina River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Christiana Bypass over Christina River in New Castle County, Delaware. It was built in 1981, so it is 44 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 17,840 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 22,750 by 2042. The structure is 221 ft (67.4 m) long and 44 ft wide.

CarriesChristiana Bypass
CrossesChristina River
LocationW. of New Castle Airport
RouteState Highway 273
Coordinates39.65918, -75.66225
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating66.5 US tons
Inventory rating51.5 US tons

Structure

MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length221 ft (67.4 m)
Longest span85 ft (25.9 m)
Deck width44 ft (13.3 m)
Roadway width41 ft (12.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic17,840 (2021)
Projected traffic22,750 by 2042
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed—
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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 Christiana Bypass over Christina River built?

It was built in 1981, making it 44 years old in 2025.

What condition is Christiana Bypass over 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 May 2022.

How much traffic does Christiana Bypass over Christina River carry?

About 17,840 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is Christiana Bypass over Christina River?

The structure is 221 ft (67.4 m) long with a longest span of 85 ft (25.9 m) and a deck 44 ft wide.

Who owns Christiana Bypass over Christina River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.