State Spotlight

Delaware Bridge Infrastructure: A Complete Analysis

A comprehensive look at Delaware's bridge inventory, including condition grades, highest-traffic crossings, worst-rated structures, and oldest bridges.

By BridgeStats Data Team

Delaware is home to 874 bridges spanning 3 counties, making it one of the most significant bridge inventories in the country. These bridges carry a combined 12,138,310 vehicle crossings every day. Here is a comprehensive look at the state of Delaware's bridge infrastructure based on the latest National Bridge Inventory data.

874

Total Bridges

A

Infrastructure Grade

1.1%

Poor Condition

48 years

Average Age

Delaware at a Glance

Delaware earns an overall infrastructure grade of A based on the percentage of its bridges in poor condition. Currently, 10 bridges (1.1%) are rated poor, compared to the national average of 6.7%. The average bridge in Delaware is 48 years old, younger than the national average of 48 years.

Of the state's 874 bridges, 376 are in good condition, 488 are fair, and 10 are poor. View the full breakdown on the [Delaware report card](/reports/delaware).

Most-Traveled Bridges in Delaware

These are the bridges carrying the highest daily traffic volumes across Delaware. High-traffic bridges are critical infrastructure -- their condition directly affects the commutes of tens of thousands of drivers.

# BridgeRating
1I95 / JFK MEM HGWY

over NORFOLK SOUTHERN

69.3
2I 95 SB

over CHRISTINA CREEK

73.0
3I 95 NB

over CHRISTINA CREEK

66.9
4I95SB/JFK MEM HGWY

over SR1/KOREAN WAR VET MEM

64.2
5I 95 NB

over SR1/KOREAN WAR VET MEM

66.9
6I 495

over TERMINAL AVE RD 359

70.0
7I 95 NB

over I 95 I 495 S TO I 295 N

71.3
8I 95 NB

over I 295 SB

69.1
9I 95

over CHRISTINA RIVER

71.7
10I 95

over NORFOLK SOUTHERN

62.2

Worst-Condition Bridges in Delaware

The following bridges have the lowest sufficiency ratings in Delaware. These structures are the most likely candidates for federal repair or replacement funding under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

# BridgeRating
1SOUTH HEALD ST

over NORFOLK SOUTHERN

37.2
2CODS ROAD

over SLAUGHTER CREEK

39.8
3MAPLE AVE

over MISPILLION RIVER

44.8
4SR 9

over APPOQUINIMINK RIVER

51.0
5CRAIGS MILL RD

over CRAIGS POND SPILLWAY

51.4
6DUPONT PKW/US13 SB

over BLACKBIRD CREEK

51.7
7DELAWARE RT. 9

over C&D CANAL

51.9
8LEBANON RD/SR10 WB

over ST. JONES RIVER

52.3
9I 495 SB

over I 95 NB

54.3
10SR 54

over ASSAWOMAN BAY

54.6

Oldest Bridges in Delaware

Delaware's oldest bridges tell the story of the state's transportation history. Some of these structures have been in continuous service for over a century.

# BridgeRating
1SMITH BRIDGE RD

over BRANDYWINE CREEK

59.9
2BRACKENVILLE RD

over MILL CREEK

68.1
3BARLEY MILL RD.

over RED CLAY CREEK

62.4
4DIVISION ST. / SR8

over ST. JONES RIVER

64.8
5LANCASTER PK/SR48

over CSX RAILROAD

66.8
6S.W. FRONT ST

over MISPILLION RIVER

42.4
7AUGUSTINE CUTOFF

over BRANDYWINE CREEK

58.0
8RISING SUN LANE

over BRANDYWINE CREEK

55.8
9FOURTH ST

over CSX RAILROAD

55.4
10LOVERING AVE

over PEDESTRIAN PATH

55.2

What These Numbers Mean for Delaware

Delaware's bridge infrastructure grade of A reflects both the current condition of the state's bridges and the scale of the challenge ahead. With an average bridge age of 48 years, many of these structures are approaching or past the 50-75 year design life typical of most bridges. The state's ability to maintain and replace aging bridges will determine whether conditions improve or deteriorate in the coming decade.

For county-by-county breakdowns, historical trends, and individual bridge profiles, visit the [Delaware state page](/bridges/delaware) or the [Delaware report card](/reports/delaware). You can also explore how Delaware compares to other states in our [state rankings](/blog/best-bridge-infrastructure-by-state-2025).

Data source: All data comes from the National Bridge Inventory maintained by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). BridgeStats is not affiliated with the U.S. government. Data is provided for informational purposes only.