US Bridges

Coastal Hgwy /SR1 over Broadkill River

Fair

Sussex County, Delaware · East of Milton · Structure no. 3155S014

Built
1967
58 years old, rebuilt 2022
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
287 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
17,782
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Coastal Hgwy /SR1 over Broadkill River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Coastal Hgwy /SR1 over Broadkill River in Sussex County, Delaware. It was built in 1967 and reconstructed in 2022, so it is 58 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 17,782 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 34,773 by 2042. The structure is 287 ft (87.5 m) long and 36 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCoastal Hgwy /SR1
CrossesBroadkill River
LocationEast of Milton
RouteState Highway 1
CountySussex County
StateDelaware
Coordinates38.79057, -75.25184
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionSeptember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating53.9 US tons
Inventory rating41.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadHL 93
Structure length287 ft (87.5 m)
Longest span80 ft (24.4 m)
Deck width36 ft (11 m)
Roadway width33 ft (10.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic17,782 (2022)
Projected traffic34,773 by 2042
Trucks14%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed0.6 mi (1 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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$1.5 million
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was Coastal Hgwy /SR1 over Broadkill River built?

It was built in 1967, making it 58 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2022.

What condition is Coastal Hgwy /SR1 over Broadkill River 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 September 2023.

How much traffic does Coastal Hgwy /SR1 over Broadkill River carry?

About 17,782 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 14% are trucks.

How long is Coastal Hgwy /SR1 over Broadkill River?

The structure is 287 ft (87.5 m) long with a longest span of 80 ft (24.4 m) and a deck 36 ft wide.

Who owns Coastal Hgwy /SR1 over Broadkill River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.