US Bridges

Old Sharptown RD over Cod Branch

Good

Sussex County, Delaware · S/W of Bethel · Structure no. 3308 494

Built
1985
40 years old
Condition
Good
inspected May 2023
Type
Slab
Wood or Timber
Length
30 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
725
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Old Sharptown RD over Cod Branch is a wood or timber slab carrying Old Sharptown RD over Cod Branch 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 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 725 vehicles a day, roughly 17% of them trucks, projected to reach 522 by 2042. The structure is 30 ft (9.1 m) long and 30 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5.6 mi (9 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesOld Sharptown RD
CrossesCod Branch
LocationS/W of Bethel
RouteCounty Highway 494
CountySussex County
StateDelaware
Coordinates38.54612, -75.69645
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Good

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating42.9 US tons
Inventory rating32.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length30 ft (9.1 m)
Longest span28 ft (8.5 m)
Deck width30 ft (9.1 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic725 (2022)
Projected traffic522 by 2042
Trucks17%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5.6 mi (9 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Old Sharptown RD over Cod Branch built?

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

What condition is Old Sharptown RD over Cod Branch 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 May 2023.

How much traffic does Old Sharptown RD over Cod Branch carry?

About 725 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 17% are trucks.

How long is Old Sharptown RD over Cod Branch?

The structure is 30 ft (9.1 m) long with a longest span of 28 ft (8.5 m) and a deck 30 ft wide.

Who owns Old Sharptown RD over Cod Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.