US Bridges

High ST over Norfolk Southern

Fair

Sussex County, Delaware · Seaford · Structure no. 3258 536

Built
1941
84 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
102 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
5,780
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

High ST over Norfolk Southern is a concrete continuous slab carrying High ST over Norfolk Southern in Sussex County, Delaware. It was built in 1941, so it is 84 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 5,780 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 8,858 by 2042. The structure is 102 ft (31 m) long and 55 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesHigh ST
CrossesNorfolk Southern
LocationSeaford
RouteCounty Highway 536
CountySussex County
StateDelaware
Coordinates38.63984, -75.61497
Functional classUrban Collector

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 inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating48.6 US tons
Inventory rating37.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length102 ft (31 m)
Longest span52 ft (15.8 m)
Deck width55 ft (16.8 m)
Roadway width42 ft (12.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,780 (2023)
Projected traffic8,858 by 2042
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesRailroad
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$1 million
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was High ST over Norfolk Southern built?

It was built in 1941, making it 84 years old in 2025.

What condition is High ST 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does High ST over Norfolk Southern carry?

About 5,780 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is High ST over Norfolk Southern?

The structure is 102 ft (31 m) long with a longest span of 52 ft (15.8 m) and a deck 55 ft wide.

Who owns High ST over Norfolk Southern?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.