US Bridges

Atlantic Ave /SR26 over Assawoman Canal

Fair

Sussex County, Delaware · Ocean View · Structure no. 3429 026

Built
1987
38 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
169 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
12,852
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Atlantic Ave /SR26 over Assawoman Canal is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Atlantic Ave /SR26 over Assawoman Canal in Sussex County, Delaware. It was built in 1987, so it is 38 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 12,852 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 12,891 by 2042. The structure is 169 ft (51.5 m) long and 56 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

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CarriesAtlantic Ave /SR26
CrossesAssawoman Canal
LocationOcean View
RouteState Highway 26
CountySussex County
StateDelaware
Coordinates38.54259, -75.08068
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating39.7 US tons
Inventory rating30.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length169 ft (51.5 m)
Longest span66 ft (20.1 m)
Deck width56 ft (17.1 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic12,852 (2022)
Projected traffic12,891 by 2042
Trucks14%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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—
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was Atlantic Ave /SR26 over Assawoman Canal built?

It was built in 1987, making it 38 years old in 2025.

What condition is Atlantic Ave /SR26 over Assawoman Canal 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 May 2023.

How much traffic does Atlantic Ave /SR26 over Assawoman Canal carry?

About 12,852 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 14% are trucks.

How long is Atlantic Ave /SR26 over Assawoman Canal?

The structure is 169 ft (51.5 m) long with a longest span of 66 ft (20.1 m) and a deck 56 ft wide.

Who owns Atlantic Ave /SR26 over Assawoman Canal?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.