US Bridges

Sussex Hgwy (US13) over Clear Brook

Good

Sussex County, Delaware · North of Seaford · Structure no. 3255 003

Built
1952
73 years old
Condition
Good
inspected August 2021
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
32 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
18,153
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Sussex Hgwy (US13) over Clear Brook is a concrete culvert carrying Sussex Hgwy (US13) over Clear Brook in Sussex County, Delaware. It was built in 1952, so it is 73 years old, older than the Delaware average of 47.3 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 18,153 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 22,562 by 2042. The structure is 32 ft (9.8 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

CarriesSussex Hgwy (US13)
CrossesClear Brook
LocationNorth of Seaford
RouteU.S. Route 13
Coordinates38.67879, -75.59161
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionAugust 2021
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating51.5 US tons
Inventory rating39.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length32 ft (9.8 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic18,153 (2020)
Projected traffic22,562 by 2042
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed0.6 mi (1 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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 Sussex Hgwy (US13) over Clear Brook built?

It was built in 1952, making it 73 years old in 2025.

What condition is Sussex Hgwy (US13) over Clear Brook in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in August 2021.

How much traffic does Sussex Hgwy (US13) over Clear Brook carry?

About 18,153 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is Sussex Hgwy (US13) over Clear Brook?

The structure is 32 ft (9.8 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns Sussex Hgwy (US13) over Clear Brook?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.