US Bridges

S. College Ave. NB over Christina Creek

Fair

New Castle County, Delaware · South Newark · Structure no. 1649 387

Built
1962
63 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
123 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
15,832
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

S. College Ave. NB over Christina Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying S. College Ave. NB over Christina Creek in New Castle County, Delaware. It was built in 1962, so it is 63 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 15,832 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 21,748 by 2042. The structure is 123 ft (37.6 m) long and 46 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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CarriesS. College Ave. NB
CrossesChristina Creek
LocationSouth Newark
RouteState Highway 896
CountyNew Castle County
StateDelaware
Coordinates39.6491, -75.74759
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating38.6 US tons
Inventory rating29.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length123 ft (37.6 m)
Longest span68 ft (20.8 m)
Deck width46 ft (14 m)
Roadway width42 ft (12.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic15,832 (2023)
Projected traffic21,748 by 2042
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure3
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$840,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was S. College Ave. NB over Christina Creek built?

It was built in 1962, making it 63 years old in 2025.

What condition is S. College Ave. NB over Christina 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 June 2024.

How much traffic does S. College Ave. NB over Christina Creek carry?

About 15,832 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is S. College Ave. NB over Christina Creek?

The structure is 123 ft (37.6 m) long with a longest span of 68 ft (20.8 m) and a deck 46 ft wide.

Who owns S. College Ave. NB over Christina Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.