US Bridges

Middleford RD over Trib. of Nanticoke River

Fair

Sussex County, Delaware · Seaford · Structure no. 3242 535

Built
1954
71 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
138 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
7,838
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Middleford RD over Trib. of Nanticoke River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Middleford RD over Trib. of Nanticoke River in Sussex County, Delaware. It was built in 1954, so it is 71 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 7,838 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 8,823 by 2042. The structure is 138 ft (42.2 m) long and 52 ft wide.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesMiddleford RD
CrossesTrib. of Nanticoke River
LocationSeaford
RouteCounty Highway 535
CountySussex County
StateDelaware
Coordinates38.64232, -75.60665
Functional classUrban 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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating44.3 US tons
Inventory rating34.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length138 ft (42.2 m)
Longest span45 ft (13.7 m)
Deck width52 ft (15.8 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic7,838 (2022)
Projected traffic8,823 by 2042
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed—
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—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Middleford RD over Trib. of Nanticoke River built?

It was built in 1954, making it 71 years old in 2025.

What condition is Middleford RD over Trib. of 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 July 2023.

How much traffic does Middleford RD over Trib. of Nanticoke River carry?

About 7,838 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is Middleford RD over Trib. of Nanticoke River?

The structure is 138 ft (42.2 m) long with a longest span of 45 ft (13.7 m) and a deck 52 ft wide.

Who owns Middleford RD over Trib. of Nanticoke River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.