US Bridges

Conrail Rd. over Bucks Branch

Good

Sussex County, Delaware · North of Seaford · Structure no. 3224 546

Built
2015
10 years old
Condition
Good
inspected March 2021
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
31 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
895
2019 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Conrail Rd. over Bucks Branch is a concrete culvert carrying Conrail Rd. over Bucks Branch in Sussex County, Delaware. It was built in 2015, so it is 10 years old, younger than the Delaware average of 47.3 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 895 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,122 by 2042. The structure is 31 ft (9.3 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesConrail Rd.
CrossesBucks Branch
LocationNorth of Seaford
RouteCounty Highway 546
CountySussex County
StateDelaware
Coordinates38.68639, -75.61777
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMarch 2021
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating60 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length31 ft (9.3 m)
Longest span8 ft (2.4 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic895 (2019)
Projected traffic1,122 by 2042
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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$367,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Conrail Rd. over Bucks Branch built?

It was built in 2015, making it 10 years old in 2025.

What condition is Conrail Rd. over Bucks Branch in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in March 2021.

How much traffic does Conrail Rd. over Bucks Branch carry?

About 895 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is Conrail Rd. over Bucks Branch?

The structure is 31 ft (9.3 m) long with a longest span of 8 ft (2.4 m).

Who owns Conrail Rd. over Bucks Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.