US Bridges

Carr RD over Shellpot Creek

Fair

New Castle County, Delaware · North of Wilmington · Structure no. 1543 213

Built
1934
91 years old, rebuilt 2017
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
42 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
1,896
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Carr RD over Shellpot Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Carr RD over Shellpot Creek in New Castle County, Delaware. It was built in 1934 and reconstructed in 2017, so it is 91 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 1,896 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,134 by 2042. The structure is 42 ft (12.8 m) long and 38 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCarr RD
CrossesShellpot Creek
LocationNorth of Wilmington
RouteCounty Highway 213
CountyNew Castle County
StateDelaware
Coordinates39.77385, -75.5152
Functional classUrban 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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionOctober 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 adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating102.2 US tons
Inventory rating84.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHL 93
Structure length42 ft (12.8 m)
Longest span36 ft (11 m)
Deck width38 ft (11.6 m)
Roadway width34 ft (10.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,896 (2022)
Projected traffic2,134 by 2042
Trucks7%
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 statusEligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$460,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Carr RD over Shellpot Creek built?

It was built in 1934, making it 91 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2017.

What condition is Carr RD over Shellpot 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 October 2023.

How much traffic does Carr RD over Shellpot Creek carry?

About 1,896 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is Carr RD over Shellpot Creek?

The structure is 42 ft (12.8 m) long with a longest span of 36 ft (11 m) and a deck 38 ft wide.

Who owns Carr RD over Shellpot Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.