US Bridges

I 495 SB over Shellpot Creek

Fair

New Castle County, Delaware · East of Wilmington · Structure no. 1819S060

Built
1975
50 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
156 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
44,775
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I 495 SB over Shellpot Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I 495 SB over Shellpot Creek in New Castle County, Delaware. It was built in 1975, so it is 50 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 44,775 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 73,536 by 2042. The structure is 156 ft (47.7 m) long and 54 ft wide.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI 495 SB
CrossesShellpot Creek
LocationEast of Wilmington
RouteInterstate 495
CountyNew Castle County
StateDelaware
Coordinates39.74573, -75.51269
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating76.8 US tons
Inventory rating59.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length156 ft (47.7 m)
Longest span51 ft (15.5 m)
Deck width54 ft (16.4 m)
Roadway width51 ft (15.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic44,775 (2023)
Projected traffic73,536 by 2042
Trucks14%
Lanes on structure3
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed—
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 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 I 495 SB over Shellpot Creek built?

It was built in 1975, making it 50 years old in 2025.

What condition is I 495 SB over Shellpot 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 May 2024.

How much traffic does I 495 SB over Shellpot Creek carry?

About 44,775 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 14% are trucks.

How long is I 495 SB over Shellpot Creek?

The structure is 156 ft (47.7 m) long with a longest span of 51 ft (15.5 m) and a deck 54 ft wide.

Who owns I 495 SB over Shellpot Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.