US Bridges

Dupont PKW/US13 SB over Blackbird Creek

Poor

New Castle County, Delaware · North of Blackbird · Structure no. 1488S001

Built
1920
105 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected June 2024
Type
Arch - Deck
Concrete
Length
42 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
11,020
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Dupont PKW/US13 SB over Blackbird Creek is a concrete arch - deck carrying Dupont PKW/US13 SB over Blackbird Creek in New Castle County, Delaware. It was built in 1920, so it is 105 years old, older than the Delaware average of 47.3 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

It carries about 11,020 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 11,764 by 2042. The structure is 42 ft (12.8 m) long and 41 ft wide.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesDupont PKW/US13 SB
CrossesBlackbird Creek
LocationNorth of Blackbird
RouteU.S. Route 13
CountyNew Castle County
StateDelaware
Coordinates39.37267, -75.66166
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating61.4 US tons
Inventory rating47.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeArch - Deck
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans1
Design loadH 20
Structure length42 ft (12.8 m)
Longest span42 ft (12.8 m)
Deck width41 ft (12.4 m)
Roadway width32 ft (9.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic11,020 (2023)
Projected traffic11,764 by 2042
Trucks12%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed—
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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$2,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Dupont PKW/US13 SB over Blackbird Creek built?

It was built in 1920, making it 105 years old in 2025.

What condition is Dupont PKW/US13 SB over Blackbird Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in June 2024.

How much traffic does Dupont PKW/US13 SB over Blackbird Creek carry?

About 11,020 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is Dupont PKW/US13 SB over Blackbird Creek?

The structure is 42 ft (12.8 m) long with a longest span of 42 ft (12.8 m) and a deck 41 ft wide.

Who owns Dupont PKW/US13 SB over Blackbird Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.