US Bridges

Deer Forest Rd. over Gravelly Branch

Good

Sussex County, Delaware · N.W. of Georgetown · Structure no. 3636 565

Built
1996
29 years old
Condition
Good
inspected June 2023
Type
Slab
Wood or Timber
Length
54 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
493
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Deer Forest Rd. over Gravelly Branch is a wood or timber slab carrying Deer Forest Rd. over Gravelly Branch in Sussex County, Delaware. It was built in 1996, so it is 29 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 493 vehicles a day, roughly 17% of them trucks, projected to reach 749 by 2042. The structure is 54 ft (16.6 m) long and 30 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesDeer Forest Rd.
CrossesGravelly Branch
LocationN.W. of Georgetown
RouteCounty Highway 565
CountySussex County
StateDelaware
Coordinates38.73697, -75.48191
Functional classRural Local

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.
Substructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJune 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: 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 rating44 US tons
Inventory rating34 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans2
Design loadHS 25 or greater
Structure length54 ft (16.6 m)
Longest span26 ft (8 m)
Deck width30 ft (9.1 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic493 (2022)
Projected traffic749 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 Deer Forest Rd. over Gravelly Branch built?

It was built in 1996, making it 29 years old in 2025.

What condition is Deer Forest Rd. over Gravelly Branch 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 June 2023.

How much traffic does Deer Forest Rd. over Gravelly Branch carry?

About 493 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 17% are trucks.

How long is Deer Forest Rd. over Gravelly Branch?

The structure is 54 ft (16.6 m) long with a longest span of 26 ft (8 m) and a deck 30 ft wide.

Who owns Deer Forest Rd. over Gravelly Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.