US Bridges

Stein HWY/SR20 over Norfolk Southern

Fair

Sussex County, Delaware · Seaford · Structure no. 3257E021

Built
1940
85 years old, rebuilt 1996
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
560 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
15,824
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Stein HWY/SR20 over Norfolk Southern is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Stein HWY/SR20 over Norfolk Southern in Sussex County, Delaware. It was built in 1940 and reconstructed in 1996, so it is 85 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 15,824 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 8,660 by 2042. The structure is 560 ft (170.7 m) long and 42 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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CarriesStein HWY/SR20
CrossesNorfolk Southern
LocationSeaford
RouteState Highway 20
CountySussex County
StateDelaware
Coordinates38.64638, -75.61805
Functional classUrban Minor Arterial

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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating38.3 US tons
Inventory rating29.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1 (+20 approach)
Design loadH 20
Structure length560 ft (170.7 m)
Longest span40 ft (12.2 m)
Deck width42 ft (12.9 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic15,824 (2022)
Projected traffic8,660 by 2042
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesHighway and railroad
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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$3.6 million
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was Stein HWY/SR20 over Norfolk Southern built?

It was built in 1940, making it 85 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1996.

What condition is Stein HWY/SR20 over Norfolk Southern 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 Stein HWY/SR20 over Norfolk Southern carry?

About 15,824 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is Stein HWY/SR20 over Norfolk Southern?

The structure is 560 ft (170.7 m) long with a longest span of 40 ft (12.2 m) and a deck 42 ft wide.

Who owns Stein HWY/SR20 over Norfolk Southern?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.