US Bridges

Library Ave/Sr 72 over AMTRAK

Fair

New Castle County, Delaware · Newark · Structure no. 1555 356

Built
1979
46 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
399 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
27,688
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Library Ave/Sr 72 over AMTRAK is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Library Ave/Sr 72 over AMTRAK in New Castle County, Delaware. It was built in 1979, so it is 46 years old, younger 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 27,688 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 43,186 by 2042. The structure is 399 ft (121.6 m) long and 65 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesLibrary Ave/Sr 72
CrossesAMTRAK
LocationNewark
RouteState Highway 72
CountyNew Castle County
StateDelaware
Coordinates39.67531, -75.73619
Functional classUrban 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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionApril 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating33.2 US tons
Inventory rating25.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length399 ft (121.6 m)
Longest span150 ft (45.7 m)
Deck width65 ft (19.8 m)
Roadway width46 ft (14 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic27,688 (2022)
Projected traffic43,186 by 2042
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesRailroad
Detour if closed0.6 mi (1 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—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was Library Ave/Sr 72 over AMTRAK built?

It was built in 1979, making it 46 years old in 2025.

What condition is Library Ave/Sr 72 over AMTRAK 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 2024.

How much traffic does Library Ave/Sr 72 over AMTRAK carry?

About 27,688 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is Library Ave/Sr 72 over AMTRAK?

The structure is 399 ft (121.6 m) long with a longest span of 150 ft (45.7 m) and a deck 65 ft wide.

Who owns Library Ave/Sr 72 over AMTRAK?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.