US Bridges

Fourth Street over Christina River

FairPosted for load

New Castle County, Delaware · Wilmington · Structure no. 1693 050

Built
1980
45 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2024
Type
Movable - Bascule
Steel
Length
628 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
9,998
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Fourth Street over Christina River is a steel movable - bascule carrying Fourth Street over Christina River in New Castle County, Delaware. It was built in 1980, so it is 45 years old, younger 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 9,998 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 13,864 by 2042. The structure is 628 ft (191.4 m) long and 56 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFourth Street
CrossesChristina River
LocationWilmington
RouteU.S. Route 13
CountyNew Castle County
StateDelaware
Coordinates39.73529, -75.54092
Functional classUrban Minor 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.
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 inspectionFebruary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating24.7 US tons
Inventory rating19 US tons

Structure

Structure typeMovable - Bascule
MaterialSteel
DeckOpen grating
Main spans1 (+6 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length628 ft (191.4 m)
Longest span188 ft (57.3 m)
Deck width56 ft (17.2 m)
Roadway width54 ft (16.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic9,998 (2023)
Projected traffic13,864 by 2042
Trucks9%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

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$3 million
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was Fourth Street over Christina River built?

It was built in 1980, making it 45 years old in 2025.

What condition is Fourth Street 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 February 2024.

How much traffic does Fourth Street over Christina River carry?

About 9,998 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is Fourth Street over Christina River?

The structure is 628 ft (191.4 m) long with a longest span of 188 ft (57.3 m) and a deck 56 ft wide.

Who owns Fourth Street over Christina River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.