US Bridges

Poplar St/ RD 535B over Williams Pond

Fair

Sussex County, Delaware · Seaford · Structure no. 3256 535B

Built
1954
71 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
76 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
847
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Poplar St/ RD 535B over Williams Pond is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Poplar St/ RD 535B over Williams Pond 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 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 847 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,153 by 2042. The structure is 76 ft (23.2 m) long and 30 ft wide.

Location

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CarriesPoplar St/ RD 535B
CrossesWilliams Pond
LocationSeaford
RouteCounty Highway 535B
CountySussex County
StateDelaware
Coordinates38.64296, -75.60551
Functional classUrban Local

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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
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 rating55.7 US tons
Inventory rating42.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadH 20
Structure length76 ft (23.2 m)
Longest span36 ft (11 m)
Deck width30 ft (9 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic847 (2022)
Projected traffic1,153 by 2042
Trucks11%
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 Poplar St/ RD 535B over Williams Pond built?

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

What condition is Poplar St/ RD 535B over Williams Pond 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 Poplar St/ RD 535B over Williams Pond carry?

About 847 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is Poplar St/ RD 535B over Williams Pond?

The structure is 76 ft (23.2 m) long with a longest span of 36 ft (11 m) and a deck 30 ft wide.

Who owns Poplar St/ RD 535B over Williams Pond?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.