US Bridges

Laurel RD over James Branch

Fair

Sussex County, Delaware · East of Laurel on SR24 · Structure no. 3314 024

Built
1920
105 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Arch - Deck
Concrete
Length
48 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
6,064
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Laurel RD over James Branch is a concrete arch - deck carrying Laurel RD over James Branch in Sussex County, Delaware. It was built in 1920, so it is 105 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 5 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 6,064 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 7,440 by 2042. The structure is 48 ft (14.6 m) long and 30 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 2.5 mi (4 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesLaurel RD
CrossesJames Branch
LocationEast of Laurel on SR24
RouteState Highway 24
CountySussex County
StateDelaware
Coordinates38.55459, -75.5394
Functional classRural 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
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating45 US tons
Inventory rating34.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeArch - Deck
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans1
Design loadH 20
Structure length48 ft (14.6 m)
Longest span48 ft (14.6 m)
Deck width30 ft (9.2 m)
Roadway width27 ft (8.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,064 (2022)
Projected traffic7,440 by 2042
Trucks14%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed2.5 mi (4 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$218,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Laurel RD over James Branch built?

It was built in 1920, making it 105 years old in 2025.

What condition is Laurel RD over James Branch 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 Laurel RD over James Branch carry?

About 6,064 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 14% are trucks.

How long is Laurel RD over James Branch?

The structure is 48 ft (14.6 m) long with a longest span of 48 ft (14.6 m) and a deck 30 ft wide.

Who owns Laurel RD over James Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.