US Bridges

Stein HWY/SR20 over Norfolk Southern

Fair

Sussex County, Delaware · Seaford · Structure no. 3257W021

Built
1985
40 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2021
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
245 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
6,968
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Stein HWY/SR20 over Norfolk Southern is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Stein HWY/SR20 over Norfolk Southern in Sussex County, Delaware. It was built in 1985, so it is 40 years old, younger 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 6,968 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 8,660 by 2042. The structure is 245 ft (74.7 m) long and 38 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
Coordinates38.64649, -75.61811
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJuly 2021
Inspection intervalevery 48 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 rating55 US tons
Inventory rating42.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length245 ft (74.7 m)
Longest span90 ft (27.4 m)
Deck width38 ft (11.5 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,968 (2020)
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 statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$1.4 million
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was Stein HWY/SR20 over Norfolk Southern built?

It was built in 1985, making it 40 years old in 2025.

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 2021.

How much traffic does Stein HWY/SR20 over Norfolk Southern carry?

About 6,968 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is Stein HWY/SR20 over Norfolk Southern?

The structure is 245 ft (74.7 m) long with a longest span of 90 ft (27.4 m) and a deck 38 ft wide.

Who owns Stein HWY/SR20 over Norfolk Southern?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.