US Bridges

SR 9 over Blackbird Creek

Fair

New Castle County, Delaware · Taylors Bridge · Structure no. 1447 449

Built
1964
61 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Box Beam or Girders - Multiple
Prestressed Concrete
Length
403 ft
10 main spans
Daily traffic
675
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 9 over Blackbird Creek is a prestressed concrete box beam or girders - multiple carrying SR 9 over Blackbird Creek in New Castle County, Delaware. It was built in 1964, so it is 61 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 5 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 675 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 707 by 2042. The structure is 403 ft (122.8 m) long and 36 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR 9
CrossesBlackbird Creek
LocationTaylors Bridge
RouteState Highway 9
CountyNew Castle County
StateDelaware
Coordinates39.40493, -75.59934
Functional classRural Major 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.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
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 rating66.5 US tons
Inventory rating51 US tons

Structure

Structure typeBox Beam or Girders - Multiple
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans10
Design loadHS 20
Structure length403 ft (122.8 m)
Longest span40 ft (12.2 m)
Deck width36 ft (10.9 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic675 (2022)
Projected traffic707 by 2042
Trucks9%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 9 over Blackbird Creek built?

It was built in 1964, making it 61 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR 9 over Blackbird 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 May 2023.

How much traffic does SR 9 over Blackbird Creek carry?

About 675 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is SR 9 over Blackbird Creek?

The structure is 403 ft (122.8 m) long with a longest span of 40 ft (12.2 m) and a deck 36 ft wide.

Who owns SR 9 over Blackbird Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.