US Bridges

Kent Ave. over Assawoman Canal

Good

Sussex County, Delaware · South of Bethany Beach · Structure no. 3453 361

Built
1988
37 years old
Condition
Good
inspected July 2022
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
148 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
5,711
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Kent Ave. over Assawoman Canal is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Kent Ave. over Assawoman Canal in Sussex County, Delaware. It was built in 1988, so it is 37 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 5,711 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 7,488 by 2042. The structure is 148 ft (45.1 m) long and 47 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 2.5 mi (4 km).

Location

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CarriesKent Ave.
CrossesAssawoman Canal
LocationSouth of Bethany Beach
RouteCounty Highway 361
CountySussex County
StateDelaware
Coordinates38.52257, -75.06896
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 inspectionJuly 2022
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than 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 rating47.5 US tons
Inventory rating36.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length148 ft (45.1 m)
Longest span58 ft (17.6 m)
Deck width47 ft (14.2 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,711 (2021)
Projected traffic7,488 by 2042
Trucks9%
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
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was Kent Ave. over Assawoman Canal built?

It was built in 1988, making it 37 years old in 2025.

What condition is Kent Ave. over Assawoman Canal 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 July 2022.

How much traffic does Kent Ave. over Assawoman Canal carry?

About 5,711 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is Kent Ave. over Assawoman Canal?

The structure is 148 ft (45.1 m) long with a longest span of 58 ft (17.6 m) and a deck 47 ft wide.

Who owns Kent Ave. over Assawoman Canal?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.