US Bridges

S. College Ave over AMTRAK & Conrail

Fair

New Castle County, Delaware · Newark · Structure no. 1641 387

Built
1936
89 years old, rebuilt 1986
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
562 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
16,840
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

S. College Ave over AMTRAK & Conrail is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying S. College Ave over AMTRAK & Conrail in New Castle County, Delaware. It was built in 1936 and reconstructed in 1986, so it is 89 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 16,840 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 23,133 by 2042. The structure is 562 ft (171.3 m) long and 35 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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CarriesS. College Ave
CrossesAMTRAK & Conrail
LocationNewark
RouteState Highway 896
CountyNew Castle County
StateDelaware
Coordinates39.67012, -75.75304
Functional classUrban Other Principal 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 inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating88.2 US tons
Inventory rating67.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1 (+11 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length562 ft (171.3 m)
Longest span82 ft (24.9 m)
Deck width35 ft (10.8 m)
Roadway width33 ft (10 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic16,840 (2023)
Projected traffic23,133 by 2042
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway and railroad
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was S. College Ave over AMTRAK & Conrail built?

It was built in 1936, making it 89 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1986.

What condition is S. College Ave over AMTRAK & Conrail 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 June 2024.

How much traffic does S. College Ave over AMTRAK & Conrail carry?

About 16,840 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is S. College Ave over AMTRAK & Conrail?

The structure is 562 ft (171.3 m) long with a longest span of 82 ft (24.9 m) and a deck 35 ft wide.

Who owns S. College Ave over AMTRAK & Conrail?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.