US Bridges

S. Walnut St. over Christina River

FairPosted for load

New Castle County, Delaware · Wilmington · Structure no. 1687 029

Built
1957
68 years old, rebuilt 1995
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2024
Type
Movable - Bascule
Steel
Length
640 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
28,725
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

S. Walnut St. over Christina River is a steel movable - bascule carrying S. Walnut St. over Christina River in New Castle County, Delaware. It was built in 1957 and reconstructed in 1995, so it is 68 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 28,725 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 40,669 by 2042. The structure is 640 ft (195.1 m) long and 53 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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CarriesS. Walnut St.
CrossesChristina River
LocationWilmington
RouteU.S. Route 13B
CountyNew Castle County
StateDelaware
Coordinates39.73516, -75.55107
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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMarch 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating26.5 US tons
Inventory rating20.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeMovable - Bascule
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1 (+9 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length640 ft (195.1 m)
Longest span220 ft (67.1 m)
Deck width53 ft (16.2 m)
Roadway width50 ft (15.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deck19 ft (5.9 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic28,725 (2023)
Projected traffic40,669 by 2042
Trucks9%
Lanes on structure4
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 statusEligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$5.1 million
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was S. Walnut St. over Christina River built?

It was built in 1957, making it 68 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1995.

What condition is S. Walnut St. over Christina River 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 March 2024.

How much traffic does S. Walnut St. over Christina River carry?

About 28,725 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is S. Walnut St. over Christina River?

The structure is 640 ft (195.1 m) long with a longest span of 220 ft (67.1 m) and a deck 53 ft wide.

Who owns S. Walnut St. over Christina River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.