US Bridges

Lighthouse RD/SR54 over Tidal Ponds

Good

Sussex County, Delaware · West of Fenwick Island · Structure no. 3420 058

Built
2003
22 years old
Condition
Good
inspected May 2023
Type
Slab
Prestressed Concrete Continuous
Length
1,634 ft
41 main spans
Daily traffic
13,785
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Lighthouse RD/SR54 over Tidal Ponds is a prestressed concrete continuous slab carrying Lighthouse RD/SR54 over Tidal Ponds in Sussex County, Delaware. It was built in 2003, so it is 22 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 13,785 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 15,200 by 2042. The structure is 1,634 ft (498 m) long and 38 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 15.5 mi (25 km).

Location

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CarriesLighthouse RD/SR54
CrossesTidal Ponds
LocationWest of Fenwick Island
RouteState Highway 54
CountySussex County
StateDelaware
Coordinates38.45732, -75.07301
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 protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
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 geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating107.1 US tons
Inventory rating35.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialPrestressed Concrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans41
Design loadHS 20
Structure length1,634 ft (498 m)
Longest span39 ft (12 m)
Deck width38 ft (11.5 m)
Roadway width35 ft (10.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic13,785 (2022)
Projected traffic15,200 by 2042
Trucks14%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed15.5 mi (25 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 Lighthouse RD/SR54 over Tidal Ponds built?

It was built in 2003, making it 22 years old in 2025.

What condition is Lighthouse RD/SR54 over Tidal Ponds 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 Lighthouse RD/SR54 over Tidal Ponds carry?

About 13,785 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 14% are trucks.

How long is Lighthouse RD/SR54 over Tidal Ponds?

The structure is 1,634 ft (498 m) long with a longest span of 39 ft (12 m) and a deck 38 ft wide.

Who owns Lighthouse RD/SR54 over Tidal Ponds?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.