US Bridges

Bethel Rd. over Broad Creek

Fair

Sussex County, Delaware · Bethel · Structure no. 3163 493

Built
1968
57 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
260 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
2,751
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Bethel Rd. over Broad Creek is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Bethel Rd. over Broad Creek in Sussex County, Delaware. It was built in 1968, so it is 57 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 2,751 vehicles a day, roughly 17% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,528 by 2042. The structure is 260 ft (79.2 m) long and 32 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.8 mi (11 km).

Location

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CarriesBethel Rd.
CrossesBroad Creek
LocationBethel
RouteCounty Highway 493
CountySussex County
StateDelaware
Coordinates38.56894, -75.61918
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating42.1 US tons
Inventory rating32.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length260 ft (79.2 m)
Longest span100 ft (30.5 m)
Deck width32 ft (9.8 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,751 (2023)
Projected traffic1,528 by 2042
Trucks17%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.8 mi (11 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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$1 million
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was Bethel Rd. over Broad Creek built?

It was built in 1968, making it 57 years old in 2025.

What condition is Bethel Rd. 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 July 2024.

How much traffic does Bethel Rd. over Broad Creek carry?

About 2,751 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 17% are trucks.

How long is Bethel Rd. over Broad Creek?

The structure is 260 ft (79.2 m) long with a longest span of 100 ft (30.5 m) and a deck 32 ft wide.

Who owns Bethel Rd. over Broad Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.