US Bridges

Augustine Cutoff over Brandywine Creek

Fair

New Castle County, Delaware · Wilmington · Structure no. 1585 049

Built
1900
125 years old, rebuilt 1980
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Truss - Deck
Steel Continuous
Length
826 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
9,627
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Augustine Cutoff over Brandywine Creek is a steel continuous truss - deck carrying Augustine Cutoff over Brandywine Creek in New Castle County, Delaware. It was built in 1900 and reconstructed in 1980, so it is 125 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 9,627 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 10,538 by 2042. The structure is 826 ft (251.7 m) long and 56 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesAugustine Cutoff
CrossesBrandywine Creek
LocationWilmington
RouteCounty Highway 49
CountyNew Castle County
StateDelaware
Coordinates39.76092, -75.55703
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.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionAugust 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 adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating32.2 US tons
Inventory rating25 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Deck
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans6
Design loadHS 20
Structure length826 ft (251.7 m)
Longest span164 ft (50 m)
Deck width56 ft (17.1 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic9,627 (2022)
Projected traffic10,538 by 2042
Trucks9%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesHighway and waterway
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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$750,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Augustine Cutoff over Brandywine Creek built?

It was built in 1900, making it 125 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1980.

What condition is Augustine Cutoff over Brandywine 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 August 2023.

How much traffic does Augustine Cutoff over Brandywine Creek carry?

About 9,627 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is Augustine Cutoff over Brandywine Creek?

The structure is 826 ft (251.7 m) long with a longest span of 164 ft (50 m) and a deck 56 ft wide.

Who owns Augustine Cutoff over Brandywine Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.