US Bridges

US 9 over Delaware Bay

Fair

Sussex County, Delaware · Lewes Ferry · Structure no. 3154B019A

Built
1964
61 years old, rebuilt 2021
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Movable - Lift
Steel
Length
61 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
580
2022 count
Owner
Toll Authority
Local Toll Authority

About this bridge

US 9 over Delaware Bay is a steel movable - lift carrying US 9 over Delaware Bay in Sussex County, Delaware. It was built in 1964 and reconstructed in 2021, so it is 61 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 580 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,508 by 2042. The structure is 61 ft (18.6 m) long and 13 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 123.7 mi (199 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 9
CrossesDelaware Bay
LocationLewes Ferry
RouteU.S. Route 9
CountySussex County
StateDelaware
Coordinates38.78233, -75.11978
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
Deck8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
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 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 rating47.2 US tons
Inventory rating36.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeMovable - Lift
MaterialSteel
DeckOpen grating
Main spans1
Design loadHL 93
Structure length61 ft (18.6 m)
Longest span61 ft (18.6 m)
Deck width13 ft (4 m)
Roadway width11 ft (3.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deck20 ft (6.1 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic580 (2022)
Projected traffic1,508 by 2042
Trucks14%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed123.7 mi (199 km)
TollToll bridge
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerLocal Toll Authority
Maintained byLocal Toll Authority
Historic statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$861,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 9 over Delaware Bay built?

It was built in 1964, making it 61 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2021.

What condition is US 9 over Delaware Bay 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 US 9 over Delaware Bay carry?

About 580 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 14% are trucks.

How long is US 9 over Delaware Bay?

The structure is 61 ft (18.6 m) long with a longest span of 61 ft (18.6 m) and a deck 13 ft wide.

Who owns US 9 over Delaware Bay?

It is owned by the Local Toll Authority.