US Bridges

I 95 over Christina River

Fair

New Castle County, Delaware · South of Wilmington · Structure no. 1744 059

Built
1965
60 years old, rebuilt 1978
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
558 ft
7 main spans
Daily traffic
90,773
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I 95 over Christina River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I 95 over Christina River in New Castle County, Delaware. It was built in 1965 and reconstructed in 1978, so it is 60 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 90,773 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 138,713 by 2042. The structure is 558 ft (170.2 m) long and 111 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI 95
CrossesChristina River
LocationSouth of Wilmington
RouteInterstate 95
CountyNew Castle County
StateDelaware
Coordinates39.7186, -75.57992
Functional classUrban Principal Arterial - Interstate

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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionApril 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating68.9 US tons
Inventory rating53.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans7
Design loadHS 20
Structure length558 ft (170.2 m)
Longest span80 ft (24.4 m)
Deck width111 ft (33.8 m)
Roadway width105 ft (32 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic90,773 (2023)
Projected traffic138,713 by 2042
Trucks14%
Lanes on structure6
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkInterstate STRAHNET route

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$1.1 million
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was I 95 over Christina River built?

It was built in 1965, making it 60 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1978.

What condition is I 95 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 April 2024.

How much traffic does I 95 over Christina River carry?

About 90,773 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 14% are trucks.

How long is I 95 over Christina River?

The structure is 558 ft (170.2 m) long with a longest span of 80 ft (24.4 m) and a deck 111 ft wide.

Who owns I 95 over Christina River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.