US Bridges

Summit Bridge RD over Cattail Branch

Fair

New Castle County, Delaware · N. Townsend Limits · Structure no. 1440 014

Built
1936
89 years old, rebuilt 1948
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
38 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
7,273
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Summit Bridge RD over Cattail Branch is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Summit Bridge RD over Cattail Branch in New Castle County, Delaware. It was built in 1936 and reconstructed in 1948, so it is 89 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 7,273 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 10,110 by 2042. The structure is 38 ft (11.6 m) long and 59 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

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CarriesSummit Bridge RD
CrossesCattail Branch
LocationN. Townsend Limits
RouteCounty Highway 14
CountyNew Castle County
StateDelaware
Coordinates39.40838, -75.69905
Functional classRural Minor 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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
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
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating54.7 US tons
Inventory rating42.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length38 ft (11.6 m)
Longest span36 ft (11 m)
Deck width59 ft (18.1 m)
Roadway width43 ft (13.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic7,273 (2022)
Projected traffic10,110 by 2042
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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 Summit Bridge RD over Cattail Branch built?

It was built in 1936, making it 89 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1948.

What condition is Summit Bridge RD over Cattail 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 April 2023.

How much traffic does Summit Bridge RD over Cattail Branch carry?

About 7,273 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is Summit Bridge RD over Cattail Branch?

The structure is 38 ft (11.6 m) long with a longest span of 36 ft (11 m) and a deck 59 ft wide.

Who owns Summit Bridge RD over Cattail Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.