US Bridges

Central Ave over Assawoman Canal

Fair

Sussex County, Delaware · North Ocean View · Structure no. 3454 357

Built
1985
40 years old, rebuilt 2004
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2021
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
126 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
7,970
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Central Ave over Assawoman Canal is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Central Ave over Assawoman Canal in Sussex County, Delaware. It was built in 1985 and reconstructed in 2004, so it is 40 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 7,970 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 9,906 by 2042. The structure is 126 ft (38.5 m) long and 37 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCentral Ave
CrossesAssawoman Canal
LocationNorth Ocean View
RouteCounty Highway 357
CountySussex County
StateDelaware
Coordinates38.55234, -75.08642
Functional classUrban Collector

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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMay 2021
Inspection intervalevery 36 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating42.1 US tons
Inventory rating31.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length126 ft (38.5 m)
Longest span47 ft (14.4 m)
Deck width37 ft (11.4 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic7,970 (2020)
Projected traffic9,906 by 2042
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$699,000
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was Central Ave over Assawoman Canal built?

It was built in 1985, making it 40 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2004.

What condition is Central Ave 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 2021.

How much traffic does Central Ave over Assawoman Canal carry?

About 7,970 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is Central Ave over Assawoman Canal?

The structure is 126 ft (38.5 m) long with a longest span of 47 ft (14.4 m) and a deck 37 ft wide.

Who owns Central Ave over Assawoman Canal?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.