US Bridges

Rehoboth Ave over Lewes-Rehoboth Canal

Fair

Sussex County, Delaware · Rehoboth Beach · Structure no. 3153 015

Built
1986
39 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Movable - Bascule
Steel
Length
169 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
21,673
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Rehoboth Ave over Lewes-Rehoboth Canal is a steel movable - bascule carrying Rehoboth Ave over Lewes-Rehoboth Canal in Sussex County, Delaware. It was built in 1986, so it is 39 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 21,673 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 21,328 by 2042. The structure is 169 ft (51.5 m) long and 66 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

Location

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CarriesRehoboth Ave
CrossesLewes-Rehoboth Canal
LocationRehoboth Beach
RouteState Highway 1A
CountySussex County
StateDelaware
Coordinates38.71439, -75.09283
Functional classRural Minor 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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating46.7 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeMovable - Bascule
MaterialSteel
DeckOpen grating
Main spans1 (+2 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length169 ft (51.5 m)
Longest span103 ft (31.4 m)
Deck width66 ft (20.2 m)
Roadway width50 ft (15.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic21,673 (2023)
Projected traffic21,328 by 2042
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed0.6 mi (1 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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$1 million
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was Rehoboth Ave over Lewes-Rehoboth Canal built?

It was built in 1986, making it 39 years old in 2025.

What condition is Rehoboth Ave 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does Rehoboth Ave over Lewes-Rehoboth Canal carry?

About 21,673 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is Rehoboth Ave over Lewes-Rehoboth Canal?

The structure is 169 ft (51.5 m) long with a longest span of 103 ft (31.4 m) and a deck 66 ft wide.

Who owns Rehoboth Ave over Lewes-Rehoboth Canal?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.