US Bridges

S. College Ave. SB over Christina Creek

Fair

New Castle County, Delaware · South Newark · Structure no. 1649A387

Built
1970
55 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
121 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
15,832
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

S. College Ave. SB over Christina Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying S. College Ave. SB over Christina Creek in New Castle County, Delaware. It was built in 1970, so it is 55 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 5 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 121 ft (37 m) long and 39 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesS. College Ave. SB
CrossesChristina Creek
LocationSouth Newark
RouteState Highway 896
CountyNew Castle County
StateDelaware
Coordinates39.64907, -75.74778
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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating40.7 US tons
Inventory rating31.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length121 ft (37 m)
Longest span68 ft (20.8 m)
Deck width39 ft (12 m)
Roadway width36 ft (11 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic15,832 (2023)
Projected traffic21,748 by 2042
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$1 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

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

It was built in 1970, making it 55 years old in 2025.

What condition is S. College Ave. SB 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. SB over Christina Creek carry?

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

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

The structure is 121 ft (37 m) long with a longest span of 68 ft (20.8 m) and a deck 39 ft wide.

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

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.