US Bridges

Bethel Rd. over Pocomoke River

Fair

Sussex County, Delaware · SE of Gumboro · Structure no. 3569 419

Built
1969
56 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Culvert
Aluminum, Wrought Iron, or Cast Iron
Length
49 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
398
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Bethel Rd. over Pocomoke River is a aluminum, wrought iron, or cast iron culvert carrying Bethel Rd. over Pocomoke River in Sussex County, Delaware. It was built in 1969, so it is 56 years old, older 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 398 vehicles a day, roughly 17% of them trucks, projected to reach 590 by 2042. The structure is 49 ft (14.8 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

CarriesBethel Rd.
CrossesPocomoke River
LocationSE of Gumboro
RouteCounty Highway 419
Coordinates38.45941, -75.34414
Functional classRural Minor 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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJune 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 alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating60 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialAluminum, Wrought Iron, or Cast Iron
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length49 ft (14.8 m)
Longest span15 ft (4.5 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic398 (2022)
Projected traffic590 by 2042
Trucks17%
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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Bethel Rd. over Pocomoke River built?

It was built in 1969, making it 56 years old in 2025.

What condition is Bethel Rd. over Pocomoke River 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 June 2023.

How much traffic does Bethel Rd. over Pocomoke River carry?

About 398 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 17% are trucks.

How long is Bethel Rd. over Pocomoke River?

The structure is 49 ft (14.8 m) long with a longest span of 15 ft (4.5 m).

Who owns Bethel Rd. over Pocomoke River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.