US Bridges

Otts Chapel RD over West Branch

Fair

New Castle County, Delaware · West of Newark · Structure no. 1324 397

Built
1972
53 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Culvert
Steel
Length
33 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
16,809
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Otts Chapel RD over West Branch is a steel culvert carrying Otts Chapel RD over West Branch in New Castle County, Delaware. It was built in 1972, so it is 53 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 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 21,431 by 2042. The structure is 33 ft (10.1 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

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CarriesOtts Chapel RD
CrossesWest Branch
LocationWest of Newark
RouteCounty Highway 397
CountyNew Castle County
StateDelaware
Coordinates39.65573, -75.78258
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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating60 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialSteel
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length33 ft (10.1 m)
Longest span15 ft (4.6 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic16,809 (2023)
Projected traffic21,431 by 2042
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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 Otts Chapel RD over West Branch built?

It was built in 1972, making it 53 years old in 2025.

What condition is Otts Chapel RD over West Branch 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 West Branch carry?

About 16,809 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is Otts Chapel RD over West Branch?

The structure is 33 ft (10.1 m) long with a longest span of 15 ft (4.6 m).

Who owns Otts Chapel RD over West Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.