US Bridges

S. Walnut ST/US13 over Norfolk Southern

FairPosted for load

New Castle County, Delaware · South of Wilmington · Structure no. 1686 029

Built
1938
87 years old, rebuilt 1994
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Box Beam or Girders - Multiple
Prestressed Concrete
Length
853 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
25,312
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

S. Walnut ST/US13 over Norfolk Southern is a prestressed concrete box beam or girders - multiple carrying S. Walnut ST/US13 over Norfolk Southern in New Castle County, Delaware. It was built in 1938 and reconstructed in 1994, so it is 87 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 25,312 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 34,769 by 2042. The structure is 853 ft (260 m) long and 57 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

Location

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CarriesS. Walnut ST/US13
CrossesNorfolk Southern
LocationSouth of Wilmington
RouteU.S. Route 13B
CountyNew Castle County
StateDelaware
Coordinates39.7245, -75.55575
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.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating28.9 US tons
Inventory rating22.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeBox Beam or Girders - Multiple
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1 (+30 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length853 ft (260 m)
Longest span46 ft (14 m)
Deck width57 ft (17.4 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic25,312 (2023)
Projected traffic34,769 by 2042
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesHighway and railroad
Detour if closed0.6 mi (1 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusEligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$7.3 million
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was S. Walnut ST/US13 over Norfolk Southern built?

It was built in 1938, making it 87 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1994.

What condition is S. Walnut ST/US13 over Norfolk Southern 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. Walnut ST/US13 over Norfolk Southern carry?

About 25,312 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is S. Walnut ST/US13 over Norfolk Southern?

The structure is 853 ft (260 m) long with a longest span of 46 ft (14 m) and a deck 57 ft wide.

Who owns S. Walnut ST/US13 over Norfolk Southern?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.