US Bridges

Thompsonville Rd. over Betts Pond

Fair

Sussex County, Delaware · NW of Millsboro · Structure no. 3527 326

Built
2003
22 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2021
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
24 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
3,914
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Thompsonville Rd. over Betts Pond is a concrete culvert carrying Thompsonville Rd. over Betts Pond 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 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 3,914 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,864 by 2042. The structure is 24 ft (7.2 m) long and 30 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

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CarriesThompsonville Rd.
CrossesBetts Pond
LocationNW of Millsboro
RouteCounty Highway 326
CountySussex County
StateDelaware
Coordinates38.59619, -75.30458
Functional classRural Major 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
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJuly 2021
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating58.5 US tons
Inventory rating45.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans1
Design loadHL 93
Structure length24 ft (7.2 m)
Longest span24 ft (7.2 m)
Deck width30 ft (9.1 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,914 (2020)
Projected traffic4,864 by 2042
Trucks9%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$332,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Thompsonville Rd. over Betts Pond built?

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

What condition is Thompsonville Rd. over Betts Pond 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 July 2021.

How much traffic does Thompsonville Rd. over Betts Pond carry?

About 3,914 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is Thompsonville Rd. over Betts Pond?

The structure is 24 ft (7.2 m) long with a longest span of 24 ft (7.2 m) and a deck 30 ft wide.

Who owns Thompsonville Rd. over Betts Pond?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.