US Bridges

Churchtown Rd. over Back Creek

Fair

New Castle County, Delaware · South of Summit Bridge · Structure no. 1413 432

Built
1975
50 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Culvert
Aluminum, Wrought Iron, or Cast Iron
Length
24 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
2,887
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Churchtown Rd. over Back Creek is a aluminum, wrought iron, or cast iron culvert carrying Churchtown Rd. over Back Creek in New Castle County, Delaware. It was built in 1975, so it is 50 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 2,887 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,078 by 2042. The structure is 24 ft (7.4 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesChurchtown Rd.
CrossesBack Creek
LocationSouth of Summit Bridge
RouteCounty Highway 432
CountyNew Castle County
StateDelaware
Coordinates39.50603, -75.74626
Functional classRural Minor 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 protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionApril 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating60 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialAluminum, Wrought Iron, or Cast Iron
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length24 ft (7.4 m)
Longest span10 ft (3.1 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,887 (2022)
Projected traffic2,078 by 2042
Trucks14%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
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—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Churchtown Rd. over Back Creek built?

It was built in 1975, making it 50 years old in 2025.

What condition is Churchtown Rd. over Back Creek 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 2023.

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

About 2,887 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 14% are trucks.

How long is Churchtown Rd. over Back Creek?

The structure is 24 ft (7.4 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3.1 m).

Who owns Churchtown Rd. over Back Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.