US Bridges

Front ST over Nanticoke River

Fair

Sussex County, Delaware · Seaford · Structure no. 3151 013

Built
1926
99 years old, rebuilt 1992
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Movable - Bascule
Steel
Length
202 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
8,015
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Front ST over Nanticoke River is a steel movable - bascule carrying Front ST over Nanticoke River in Sussex County, Delaware. It was built in 1926 and reconstructed in 1992, so it is 99 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 5 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 8,015 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 9,962 by 2046. The structure is 202 ft (61.5 m) long and 25 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFront ST
CrossesNanticoke River
LocationSeaford
RouteCounty Highway 13
CountySussex County
StateDelaware
Coordinates38.64034, -75.60902
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
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 inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating18.2 US tons
Inventory rating13.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeMovable - Bascule
MaterialSteel
DeckOpen grating
Main spans1 (+4 approach)
Design loadH 20
Structure length202 ft (61.5 m)
Longest span49 ft (14.8 m)
Deck width25 ft (7.6 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic8,015 (2023)
Projected traffic9,962 by 2046
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusEligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$756,000
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was Front ST over Nanticoke River built?

It was built in 1926, making it 99 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1992.

What condition is Front ST 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 May 2024.

How much traffic does Front ST over Nanticoke River carry?

About 8,015 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Front ST over Nanticoke River?

The structure is 202 ft (61.5 m) long with a longest span of 49 ft (14.8 m) and a deck 25 ft wide.

Who owns Front ST over Nanticoke River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.