US Bridges

Lancaster PK/SR48 over CSX Railroad

Good

New Castle County, Delaware · Wilmington · Structure no. 1609 237

Built
1900
125 years old, rebuilt 1978
Condition
Good
inspected April 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
85 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
23,743
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Lancaster PK/SR48 over CSX Railroad is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Lancaster PK/SR48 over CSX Railroad in New Castle County, Delaware. It was built in 1900 and reconstructed in 1978, 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 good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 23,743 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 31,776 by 2042. The structure is 85 ft (25.9 m) long and 55 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

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CarriesLancaster PK/SR48
CrossesCSX Railroad
LocationWilmington
RouteState Highway 48
CountyNew Castle County
StateDelaware
Coordinates39.74943, -75.58091
Functional classUrban Other Principal Arterial

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionApril 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating95.3 US tons
Inventory rating73.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length85 ft (25.9 m)
Longest span81 ft (24.7 m)
Deck width55 ft (16.8 m)
Roadway width38 ft (11.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic23,743 (2022)
Projected traffic31,776 by 2042
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure3
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesRailroad
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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$701,000
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was Lancaster PK/SR48 over CSX Railroad built?

It was built in 1900, making it 125 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1978.

What condition is Lancaster PK/SR48 over CSX Railroad in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in April 2024.

How much traffic does Lancaster PK/SR48 over CSX Railroad carry?

About 23,743 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is Lancaster PK/SR48 over CSX Railroad?

The structure is 85 ft (25.9 m) long with a longest span of 81 ft (24.7 m) and a deck 55 ft wide.

Who owns Lancaster PK/SR48 over CSX Railroad?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.