US Bridges

Coverdale Rd. over Gravelly Fork

Fair

Sussex County, Delaware · N.E.Of Seaford · Structure no. 3235 525

Built
1983
42 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Slab
Wood or Timber
Length
60 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
2,025
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Coverdale Rd. over Gravelly Fork is a wood or timber slab carrying Coverdale Rd. over Gravelly Fork in Sussex County, Delaware. It was built in 1983, so it is 42 years old, younger 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 2,025 vehicles a day, roughly 17% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,231 by 2042. The structure is 60 ft (18.4 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCoverdale Rd.
CrossesGravelly Fork
LocationN.E.Of Seaford
RouteCounty Highway 525
CountySussex County
StateDelaware
Coordinates38.68712, -75.54814
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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating43.2 US tons
Inventory rating31.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length60 ft (18.4 m)
Longest span20 ft (6.1 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.4 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,025 (2022)
Projected traffic3,231 by 2042
Trucks17%
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 proposedWidening with deck rehabilitation or replacement
Estimated improvement cost$600,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Coverdale Rd. over Gravelly Fork built?

It was built in 1983, making it 42 years old in 2025.

What condition is Coverdale Rd. over Gravelly Fork 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 August 2023.

How much traffic does Coverdale Rd. over Gravelly Fork carry?

About 2,025 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 17% are trucks.

How long is Coverdale Rd. over Gravelly Fork?

The structure is 60 ft (18.4 m) long with a longest span of 20 ft (6.1 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns Coverdale Rd. over Gravelly Fork?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.