US Bridges

Broadkill RD/SR16 over Broadkill Sound

Fair

Sussex County, Delaware · Broadkill Beach · Structure no. 3812 016

Built
1977
48 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2023
Type
Box Beam or Girders - Multiple
Prestressed Concrete
Length
219 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
2,331
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Broadkill RD/SR16 over Broadkill Sound is a prestressed concrete box beam or girders - multiple carrying Broadkill RD/SR16 over Broadkill Sound in Sussex County, Delaware. It was built in 1977, so it is 48 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 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 2,331 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,337 by 2042. The structure is 219 ft (66.8 m) long and 42 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 123.7 mi (199 km).

Location

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CarriesBroadkill RD/SR16
CrossesBroadkill Sound
LocationBroadkill Beach
RouteState Highway 16
CountySussex County
StateDelaware
Coordinates38.8273, -75.21316
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionSeptember 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 adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating33.2 US tons
Inventory rating25.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeBox Beam or Girders - Multiple
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans5
Design loadHS 20
Structure length219 ft (66.8 m)
Longest span42 ft (12.8 m)
Deck width42 ft (12.7 m)
Roadway width35 ft (10.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,331 (2022)
Projected traffic2,337 by 2042
Trucks14%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed123.7 mi (199 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 Broadkill RD/SR16 over Broadkill Sound built?

It was built in 1977, making it 48 years old in 2025.

What condition is Broadkill RD/SR16 over Broadkill Sound 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 September 2023.

How much traffic does Broadkill RD/SR16 over Broadkill Sound carry?

About 2,331 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 14% are trucks.

How long is Broadkill RD/SR16 over Broadkill Sound?

The structure is 219 ft (66.8 m) long with a longest span of 42 ft (12.8 m) and a deck 42 ft wide.

Who owns Broadkill RD/SR16 over Broadkill Sound?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.