US Bridges

Otts Chapel Rd. over AMTRAK

Fair

New Castle County, Delaware · West of Newark · Structure no. 1320 397

Built
1977
48 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
264 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
16,809
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Otts Chapel Rd. over AMTRAK is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Otts Chapel Rd. over AMTRAK in New Castle County, Delaware. It was built in 1977, so it is 48 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 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 16,809 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 21,431 by 2042. The structure is 264 ft (80.5 m) long and 100 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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CarriesOtts Chapel Rd.
CrossesAMTRAK
LocationWest of Newark
RouteCounty Highway 397
CountyNew Castle County
StateDelaware
Coordinates39.65474, -75.78173
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating40 US tons
Inventory rating30.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length264 ft (80.5 m)
Longest span100 ft (30.5 m)
Deck width100 ft (30.5 m)
Roadway width88 ft (26.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic16,809 (2023)
Projected traffic21,431 by 2042
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesRailroad
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was Otts Chapel Rd. over AMTRAK built?

It was built in 1977, making it 48 years old in 2025.

What condition is Otts Chapel Rd. over AMTRAK 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 2024.

How much traffic does Otts Chapel Rd. over AMTRAK carry?

About 16,809 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is Otts Chapel Rd. over AMTRAK?

The structure is 264 ft (80.5 m) long with a longest span of 100 ft (30.5 m) and a deck 100 ft wide.

Who owns Otts Chapel Rd. over AMTRAK?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.