US Bridges

SR 36 over Cedar Creek

Fair

Sussex County, Delaware · Slaughter Beach · Structure no. 3164 036

Built
1949
76 years old, rebuilt 1998
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2024
Type
Movable - Swing
Steel
Length
83 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
608
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 36 over Cedar Creek is a steel movable - swing carrying SR 36 over Cedar Creek in Sussex County, Delaware. It was built in 1949 and reconstructed in 1998, so it is 76 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 5 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 608 vehicles a day, roughly 17% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,123 by 2042. The structure is 83 ft (25.3 m) long and 25 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR 36
CrossesCedar Creek
LocationSlaughter Beach
RouteState Highway 36
CountySussex County
StateDelaware
Coordinates38.93502, -75.32389
Functional classRural Minor 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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionNovember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating68.6 US tons
Inventory rating52.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeMovable - Swing
MaterialSteel
DeckOpen grating
Main spans1 (+1 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length83 ft (25.3 m)
Longest span40 ft (12.2 m)
Deck width25 ft (7.5 m)
Roadway width22 ft (6.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic608 (2023)
Projected traffic3,123 by 2042
Trucks17%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 36 over Cedar Creek built?

It was built in 1949, making it 76 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1998.

What condition is SR 36 over Cedar 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 November 2024.

How much traffic does SR 36 over Cedar Creek carry?

About 608 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 17% are trucks.

How long is SR 36 over Cedar Creek?

The structure is 83 ft (25.3 m) long with a longest span of 40 ft (12.2 m) and a deck 25 ft wide.

Who owns SR 36 over Cedar Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.