US Bridges

Round Pole Bridge over Beaverdam Creek

Fair

Sussex County, Delaware · East of Milton · Structure no. 3717 257

Built
1985
40 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Slab
Wood or Timber
Length
60 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
129
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Round Pole Bridge over Beaverdam Creek is a wood or timber slab carrying Round Pole Bridge over Beaverdam Creek in Sussex County, Delaware. It was built in 1985, 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 129 vehicles a day, roughly 17% of them trucks, projected to reach 253 by 2042. The structure is 60 ft (18.3 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRound Pole Bridge
CrossesBeaverdam Creek
LocationEast of Milton
RouteCounty Highway 257
CountySussex County
StateDelaware
Coordinates38.78049, -75.24782
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to 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 alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating94.2 US tons
Inventory rating72.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length60 ft (18.3 m)
Longest span19 ft (5.8 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.6 m)
Roadway width27 ft (8.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic129 (2022)
Projected traffic253 by 2042
Trucks17%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed0.6 mi (1 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 Round Pole Bridge over Beaverdam Creek built?

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

What condition is Round Pole Bridge over Beaverdam 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 2023.

How much traffic does Round Pole Bridge over Beaverdam Creek carry?

About 129 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 17% are trucks.

How long is Round Pole Bridge over Beaverdam Creek?

The structure is 60 ft (18.3 m) long with a longest span of 19 ft (5.8 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns Round Pole Bridge over Beaverdam Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.