US Bridges

Coastal HWY/SR1 SB over Lewes Rehoboth Canal

Fair

Sussex County, Delaware · West of Rehoboth Beach · Structure no. 3150S014

Built
1978
47 years old, rebuilt 2020
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
407 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
31,200
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Coastal HWY/SR1 SB over Lewes Rehoboth Canal is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Coastal HWY/SR1 SB over Lewes Rehoboth Canal in Sussex County, Delaware. It was built in 1978 and reconstructed in 2020, so it is 47 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 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 31,200 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 33,779 by 2042. The structure is 407 ft (124.2 m) long and 47 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

Location

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CarriesCoastal HWY/SR1 SB
CrossesLewes Rehoboth Canal
LocationWest of Rehoboth Beach
RouteState Highway 1
CountySussex County
StateDelaware
Coordinates38.70864, -75.0932
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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
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 geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating39.7 US tons
Inventory rating30.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length407 ft (124.2 m)
Longest span170 ft (51.8 m)
Deck width47 ft (14.3 m)
Roadway width38 ft (11.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic31,200 (2022)
Projected traffic33,779 by 2042
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesOverpass structure at an interchange
CrossesHighway and waterway
Detour if closed0.6 mi (1 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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 Coastal HWY/SR1 SB over Lewes Rehoboth Canal built?

It was built in 1978, making it 47 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2020.

What condition is Coastal HWY/SR1 SB over Lewes Rehoboth Canal 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 Coastal HWY/SR1 SB over Lewes Rehoboth Canal carry?

About 31,200 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is Coastal HWY/SR1 SB over Lewes Rehoboth Canal?

The structure is 407 ft (124.2 m) long with a longest span of 170 ft (51.8 m) and a deck 47 ft wide.

Who owns Coastal HWY/SR1 SB over Lewes Rehoboth Canal?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.