US Bridges

Old Furnace Rd. over Nanticoke River

Fair

Sussex County, Delaware · East of Seaford · Structure no. 3237 046

Built
1919
106 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Arch - Deck
Concrete
Length
56 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
4,583
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Old Furnace Rd. over Nanticoke River is a concrete arch - deck carrying Old Furnace Rd. over Nanticoke River in Sussex County, Delaware. It was built in 1919, so it is 106 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 4,583 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,473 by 2042. The structure is 56 ft (17.1 m) long and 22 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.7 mi (14 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesOld Furnace Rd.
CrossesNanticoke River
LocationEast of Seaford
RouteCounty Highway 46
CountySussex County
StateDelaware
Coordinates38.66556, -75.56525
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
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 protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionAugust 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 geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating38.3 US tons
Inventory rating29.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeArch - Deck
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length56 ft (17.1 m)
Longest span56 ft (17.1 m)
Deck width22 ft (6.8 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,583 (2023)
Projected traffic6,473 by 2042
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.7 mi (14 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusEligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$208,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Old Furnace Rd. over Nanticoke River built?

It was built in 1919, making it 106 years old in 2025.

What condition is Old Furnace Rd. over Nanticoke River 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 2024.

How much traffic does Old Furnace Rd. over Nanticoke River carry?

About 4,583 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is Old Furnace Rd. over Nanticoke River?

The structure is 56 ft (17.1 m) long with a longest span of 56 ft (17.1 m) and a deck 22 ft wide.

Who owns Old Furnace Rd. over Nanticoke River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.