US Bridges

Central Ave over Broad Creek

Fair

Sussex County, Delaware · Laurel · Structure no. 3152 013

Built
1923
102 years old, rebuilt 2019
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
98 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
5,984
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Central Ave over Broad Creek is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Central Ave over Broad Creek in Sussex County, Delaware. It was built in 1923 and reconstructed in 2019, so it is 102 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 5,984 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,580 by 2042. The structure is 98 ft (30 m) long and 26 ft wide.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCentral Ave
CrossesBroad Creek
LocationLaurel
RouteCounty Highway 13
CountySussex County
StateDelaware
Coordinates38.5588, -75.57177
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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionNovember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
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 rating92.5 US tons
Inventory rating48.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadHL 93
Structure length98 ft (30 m)
Longest span76 ft (23.3 m)
Deck width26 ft (8 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deck15 ft (4.7 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,984 (2022)
Projected traffic6,580 by 2042
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed—
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusListed on the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$1,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Central Ave over Broad Creek built?

It was built in 1923, making it 102 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2019.

What condition is Central Ave over Broad 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 November 2023.

How much traffic does Central Ave over Broad Creek carry?

About 5,984 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is Central Ave over Broad Creek?

The structure is 98 ft (30 m) long with a longest span of 76 ft (23.3 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns Central Ave over Broad Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.