US Bridges

Old Furnace Rd. over Deep Creek

Fair

Sussex County, Delaware · Old Furnace Mill · Structure no. 3239 046

Built
1933
92 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
40 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
3,325
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Old Furnace Rd. over Deep Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Old Furnace Rd. over Deep Creek in Sussex County, Delaware. It was built in 1933, so it is 92 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 3,325 vehicles a day, roughly 17% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,746 by 2042. The structure is 40 ft (12.2 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 4.3 mi (7 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesOld Furnace Rd.
CrossesDeep Creek
LocationOld Furnace Mill
RouteCounty Highway 46
CountySussex County
StateDelaware
Coordinates38.66714, -75.51711
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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
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 rating72.5 US tons
Inventory rating56.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 15
Structure length40 ft (12.2 m)
Longest span36 ft (11 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.6 m)
Roadway width29 ft (8.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,325 (2023)
Projected traffic3,746 by 2042
Trucks17%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed4.3 mi (7 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$189,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Old Furnace Rd. over Deep Creek built?

It was built in 1933, making it 92 years old in 2025.

What condition is Old Furnace Rd. over Deep 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 August 2024.

How much traffic does Old Furnace Rd. over Deep Creek carry?

About 3,325 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 17% are trucks.

How long is Old Furnace Rd. over Deep Creek?

The structure is 40 ft (12.2 m) long with a longest span of 36 ft (11 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns Old Furnace Rd. over Deep Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.