US Bridges

Beach Hgwy / SR 16 over Nanticoke River

Fair

Sussex County, Delaware · East of Greenwood · Structure no. 3108 016

Built
1936
89 years old, rebuilt 1957
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
34 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
9,027
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Beach Hgwy / SR 16 over Nanticoke River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Beach Hgwy / SR 16 over Nanticoke River in Sussex County, Delaware. It was built in 1936 and reconstructed in 1957, so it is 89 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 9,027 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 9,054 by 2042. The structure is 34 ft (10.5 m) long and 47 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

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CarriesBeach Hgwy / SR 16
CrossesNanticoke River
LocationEast of Greenwood
RouteState Highway 16
CountySussex County
StateDelaware
Coordinates38.80571, -75.58098
Functional classRural Major Collector

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 inspectionJuly 2023
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 adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating42.1 US tons
Inventory rating32.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 20
Structure length34 ft (10.5 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width47 ft (14.3 m)
Roadway width38 ft (11.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic9,027 (2022)
Projected traffic9,054 by 2042
Trucks14%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Beach Hgwy / SR 16 over Nanticoke River built?

It was built in 1936, making it 89 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1957.

What condition is Beach Hgwy / SR 16 over Nanticoke 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 July 2023.

How much traffic does Beach Hgwy / SR 16 over Nanticoke River carry?

About 9,027 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 14% are trucks.

How long is Beach Hgwy / SR 16 over Nanticoke River?

The structure is 34 ft (10.5 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 47 ft wide.

Who owns Beach Hgwy / SR 16 over Nanticoke River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.