US Bridges

John Williams Hgwy over Love Creek

Fair

Sussex County, Delaware · West of Rehoboth Beach · Structure no. 3708 024

Built
1992
33 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2021
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
606 ft
10 main spans
Daily traffic
15,735
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

John Williams Hgwy over Love Creek is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying John Williams Hgwy over Love Creek in Sussex County, Delaware. It was built in 1992, so it is 33 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 15,735 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 19,557 by 2042. The structure is 606 ft (184.8 m) long and 53 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesJohn Williams Hgwy
CrossesLove Creek
LocationWest of Rehoboth Beach
RouteState Highway 24
CountySussex County
StateDelaware
Coordinates38.70349, -75.16171
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
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 geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating85 US tons
Inventory rating65.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans10
Design loadHS 20
Structure length606 ft (184.8 m)
Longest span59 ft (18.1 m)
Deck width53 ft (16.1 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic15,735 (2020)
Projected traffic19,557 by 2042
Trucks12%
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—
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was John Williams Hgwy over Love Creek built?

It was built in 1992, making it 33 years old in 2025.

What condition is John Williams Hgwy over Love Creek 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 John Williams Hgwy over Love Creek carry?

About 15,735 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is John Williams Hgwy over Love Creek?

The structure is 606 ft (184.8 m) long with a longest span of 59 ft (18.1 m) and a deck 53 ft wide.

Who owns John Williams Hgwy over Love Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.