US Bridges

SR 273 over SR 4

Fair

New Castle County, Delaware · Ogletown · Structure no. 1286W018

Built
1997
28 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
249 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
14,979
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 273 over SR 4 is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR 273 over SR 4 in New Castle County, Delaware. It was built in 1997, so it is 28 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 14,979 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 30,447 by 2042. The structure is 249 ft (75.8 m) long and 45 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR 273
CrossesSR 4
LocationOgletown
RouteState Highway 273
CountyNew Castle County
StateDelaware
Coordinates39.67883, -75.69585
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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionApril 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating34.3 US tons
Inventory rating26.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadHS 25 or greater
Structure length249 ft (75.8 m)
Longest span116 ft (35.5 m)
Deck width45 ft (13.6 m)
Roadway width42 ft (12.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic14,979 (2022)
Projected traffic30,447 by 2042
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed0.6 mi (1 km)
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—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 273 over SR 4 built?

It was built in 1997, making it 28 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR 273 over SR 4 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 April 2024.

How much traffic does SR 273 over SR 4 carry?

About 14,979 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is SR 273 over SR 4?

The structure is 249 ft (75.8 m) long with a longest span of 116 ft (35.5 m) and a deck 45 ft wide.

Who owns SR 273 over SR 4?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.