US Bridges

Freeman Highway over Lewes-Rehoboth Canal

Fair

Sussex County, Delaware · Lewes · Structure no. 3154A023

Built
1966
59 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
359 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
9,371
2022 count
Owner
Toll Authority
Local Toll Authority

About this bridge

Freeman Highway over Lewes-Rehoboth Canal is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Freeman Highway over Lewes-Rehoboth Canal in Sussex County, Delaware. It was built in 1966, so it is 59 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 9,371 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,713 by 2042. The structure is 359 ft (109.4 m) long and 38 ft wide.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFreeman Highway
CrossesLewes-Rehoboth Canal
LocationLewes
RouteU.S. Route 23
CountySussex County
StateDelaware
Coordinates38.77311, -75.13289
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating38.6 US tons
Inventory rating29.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3 (+1 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length359 ft (109.4 m)
Longest span125 ft (38.1 m)
Deck width38 ft (11.7 m)
Roadway width35 ft (10.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic9,371 (2022)
Projected traffic3,713 by 2042
Trucks14%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesHighway and waterway
Detour if closed—
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerLocal Toll Authority
Maintained byLocal Toll Authority
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$2.1 million
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was Freeman Highway over Lewes-Rehoboth Canal built?

It was built in 1966, making it 59 years old in 2025.

What condition is Freeman Highway 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 March 2023.

How much traffic does Freeman Highway over Lewes-Rehoboth Canal carry?

About 9,371 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 14% are trucks.

How long is Freeman Highway over Lewes-Rehoboth Canal?

The structure is 359 ft (109.4 m) long with a longest span of 125 ft (38.1 m) and a deck 38 ft wide.

Who owns Freeman Highway over Lewes-Rehoboth Canal?

It is owned by the Local Toll Authority.