US Bridges

US 13 S & SR 20 E over Nanticoke River

Fair

Sussex County, Delaware · S/W Seaford · Structure no. 3254S003

Built
1951
74 years old, rebuilt 1996
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
328 ft
9 main spans
Daily traffic
15,758
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 13 S & SR 20 E over Nanticoke River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 13 S & SR 20 E over Nanticoke River in Sussex County, Delaware. It was built in 1951 and reconstructed in 1996, so it is 74 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 15,758 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 21,645 by 2042. The structure is 328 ft (99.9 m) long and 34 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

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CarriesUS 13 S & SR 20 E
CrossesNanticoke River
LocationS/W Seaford
RouteU.S. Route 13
CountySussex County
StateDelaware
Coordinates38.64327, -75.59379
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating41.4 US tons
Inventory rating32.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans9
Design loadHS 20
Structure length328 ft (99.9 m)
Longest span45 ft (13.6 m)
Deck width34 ft (10.4 m)
Roadway width31 ft (9.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic15,758 (2023)
Projected traffic21,645 by 2042
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkNon-Interstate STRAHNET route

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$1 million
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was US 13 S & SR 20 E over Nanticoke River built?

It was built in 1951, making it 74 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1996.

What condition is US 13 S & SR 20 E 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 US 13 S & SR 20 E over Nanticoke River carry?

About 15,758 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is US 13 S & SR 20 E over Nanticoke River?

The structure is 328 ft (99.9 m) long with a longest span of 45 ft (13.6 m) and a deck 34 ft wide.

Who owns US 13 S & SR 20 E over Nanticoke River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.