US Bridges

Mt Pleasant RD over Tussocky Branch

Fair

Sussex County, Delaware · SW of Laurel · Structure no. 3366 493

Built
1986
39 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Slab
Wood or Timber
Length
29 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
1,044
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Mt Pleasant RD over Tussocky Branch is a wood or timber slab carrying Mt Pleasant RD over Tussocky Branch in Sussex County, Delaware. It was built in 1986, so it is 39 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 1,044 vehicles a day, roughly 17% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,690 by 2042. The structure is 29 ft (8.8 m) long and 34 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesMt Pleasant RD
CrossesTussocky Branch
LocationSW of Laurel
RouteCounty Highway 493
CountySussex County
StateDelaware
Coordinates38.52105, -75.6329
Functional classRural Local

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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating68.2 US tons
Inventory rating52.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length29 ft (8.8 m)
Longest span25 ft (7.7 m)
Deck width34 ft (10.4 m)
Roadway width32 ft (9.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,044 (2023)
Projected traffic1,690 by 2042
Trucks17%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
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 statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$1 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Mt Pleasant RD over Tussocky Branch built?

It was built in 1986, making it 39 years old in 2025.

What condition is Mt Pleasant RD over Tussocky 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 September 2024.

How much traffic does Mt Pleasant RD over Tussocky Branch carry?

About 1,044 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 17% are trucks.

How long is Mt Pleasant RD over Tussocky Branch?

The structure is 29 ft (8.8 m) long with a longest span of 25 ft (7.7 m) and a deck 34 ft wide.

Who owns Mt Pleasant RD over Tussocky Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.