US Bridges

Pepper Rd. over Vines Creek

Fair

Sussex County, Delaware · Frankford · Structure no. 3443 376

Built
1990
35 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Culvert
Aluminum, Wrought Iron, or Cast Iron
Length
31 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
3,436
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Pepper Rd. over Vines Creek is a aluminum, wrought iron, or cast iron culvert carrying Pepper Rd. over Vines Creek in Sussex County, Delaware. It was built in 1990, so it is 35 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 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 3,436 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,600 by 2042. The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 2.5 mi (4 km).

Location

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CarriesPepper Rd.
CrossesVines Creek
LocationFrankford
RouteCounty Highway 376
CountySussex County
StateDelaware
Coordinates38.51586, -75.23033
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
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: 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 rating60 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialAluminum, Wrought Iron, or Cast Iron
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length31 ft (9.4 m)
Longest span14 ft (4.3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,436 (2022)
Projected traffic3,600 by 2042
Trucks11%
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 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 Pepper Rd. over Vines Creek built?

It was built in 1990, making it 35 years old in 2025.

What condition is Pepper Rd. over Vines Creek 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 August 2023.

How much traffic does Pepper Rd. over Vines Creek carry?

About 3,436 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is Pepper Rd. over Vines Creek?

The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long with a longest span of 14 ft (4.3 m).

Who owns Pepper Rd. over Vines Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.