US Bridges

Choptank Rd. over Back Creek

Good

New Castle County, Delaware · South of Summit Bridge · Structure no. 1377 435

Built
2002
23 years old
Condition
Good
inspected June 2024
Type
Arch - Deck
Concrete
Length
38 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
6,728
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Choptank Rd. over Back Creek is a concrete arch - deck carrying Choptank Rd. over Back Creek in New Castle County, Delaware. It was built in 2002, so it is 23 years old, younger than the Delaware average of 47.3 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 6,728 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 7,000 by 2042. The structure is 38 ft (11.6 m) long and 43 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

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CarriesChoptank Rd.
CrossesBack Creek
LocationSouth of Summit Bridge
RouteState Highway 15
CountyNew Castle County
StateDelaware
Coordinates39.51003, -75.75235
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating43.2 US tons
Inventory rating33.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeArch - Deck
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHL 93
Structure length38 ft (11.6 m)
Longest span36 ft (11 m)
Deck width43 ft (13.2 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,728 (2023)
Projected traffic7,000 by 2042
Trucks12%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$735,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Choptank Rd. over Back Creek built?

It was built in 2002, making it 23 years old in 2025.

What condition is Choptank Rd. over Back Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in June 2024.

How much traffic does Choptank Rd. over Back Creek carry?

About 6,728 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is Choptank Rd. over Back Creek?

The structure is 38 ft (11.6 m) long with a longest span of 36 ft (11 m) and a deck 43 ft wide.

Who owns Choptank Rd. over Back Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.