US Bridges

Poplar ST over Broad Creek

FairPosted for load

Sussex County, Delaware · Laurel · Structure no. 3161 028A

Built
1915
110 years old, rebuilt 1996
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel Continuous
Length
112 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
3,164
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Poplar ST over Broad Creek is a steel continuous truss - thru carrying Poplar ST over Broad Creek in Sussex County, Delaware. It was built in 1915 and reconstructed in 1996, so it is 110 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 3,164 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,270 by 2042. The structure is 112 ft (34.1 m) long and 17 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesPoplar ST
CrossesBroad Creek
LocationLaurel
RouteCounty Highway 28A
CountySussex County
StateDelaware
Coordinates38.55907, -75.57285
Functional classRural Local

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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJune 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating8.6 US tons
Inventory rating6.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckOpen grating
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length112 ft (34.1 m)
Longest span55 ft (16.8 m)
Deck width17 ft (5.2 m)
Roadway width14 ft (4.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,164 (2022)
Projected traffic3,270 by 2042
Trucks11%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
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 statusListed on the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$286,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Poplar ST over Broad Creek built?

It was built in 1915, making it 110 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1996.

What condition is Poplar ST over Broad Creek 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 June 2023.

How much traffic does Poplar ST over Broad Creek carry?

About 3,164 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is Poplar ST over Broad Creek?

The structure is 112 ft (34.1 m) long with a longest span of 55 ft (16.8 m) and a deck 17 ft wide.

Who owns Poplar ST over Broad Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.