US Bridges

Savannah RD/US9 over Lewes-Rehoboth Canal

FairPosted for load

Sussex County, Delaware · Lewes · Structure no. 3154 018

Built
1983
42 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2023
Type
Movable - Bascule
Steel
Length
149 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
7,657
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Savannah RD/US9 over Lewes-Rehoboth Canal is a steel movable - bascule carrying Savannah RD/US9 over Lewes-Rehoboth Canal in Sussex County, Delaware. It was built in 1983, so it is 42 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 7,657 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,308 by 2042. The structure is 149 ft (45.5 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

Location

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CarriesSavannah RD/US9
CrossesLewes-Rehoboth Canal
LocationLewes
RouteU.S. Route 9B
CountySussex County
StateDelaware
Coordinates38.7757, -75.1377
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionNovember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load 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 adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating43.5 US tons
Inventory rating34.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeMovable - Bascule
MaterialSteel
DeckOpen grating
Main spans1 (+2 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length149 ft (45.5 m)
Longest span85 ft (25.9 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.5 m)
Roadway width29 ft (8.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic7,657 (2022)
Projected traffic6,308 by 2042
Trucks11%
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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$577,000
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was Savannah RD/US9 over Lewes-Rehoboth Canal built?

It was built in 1983, making it 42 years old in 2025.

What condition is Savannah RD/US9 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 November 2023.

How much traffic does Savannah RD/US9 over Lewes-Rehoboth Canal carry?

About 7,657 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is Savannah RD/US9 over Lewes-Rehoboth Canal?

The structure is 149 ft (45.5 m) long with a longest span of 85 ft (25.9 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns Savannah RD/US9 over Lewes-Rehoboth Canal?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.