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.
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.
| # | Bridge | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | I95 / JFK MEM HGWY over NORFOLK SOUTHERN | 69.3 |
| 2 | I 95 SB over CHRISTINA CREEK | 73.0 |
| 3 | I 95 NB over CHRISTINA CREEK | 66.9 |
| 4 | I95SB/JFK MEM HGWY over SR1/KOREAN WAR VET MEM | 64.2 |
| 5 | I 95 NB over SR1/KOREAN WAR VET MEM | 66.9 |
| 6 | I 495 over TERMINAL AVE RD 359 | 70.0 |
| 7 | I 95 NB over I 95 I 495 S TO I 295 N | 71.3 |
| 8 | I 95 NB over I 295 SB | 69.1 |
| 9 | I 95 over CHRISTINA RIVER | 71.7 |
| 10 | I 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.
| # | Bridge | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | SOUTH HEALD ST over NORFOLK SOUTHERN | 37.2 |
| 2 | CODS ROAD over SLAUGHTER CREEK | 39.8 |
| 3 | MAPLE AVE over MISPILLION RIVER | 44.8 |
| 4 | SR 9 over APPOQUINIMINK RIVER | 51.0 |
| 5 | CRAIGS MILL RD over CRAIGS POND SPILLWAY | 51.4 |
| 6 | DUPONT PKW/US13 SB over BLACKBIRD CREEK | 51.7 |
| 7 | DELAWARE RT. 9 over C&D CANAL | 51.9 |
| 8 | LEBANON RD/SR10 WB over ST. JONES RIVER | 52.3 |
| 9 | I 495 SB over I 95 NB | 54.3 |
| 10 | SR 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.
| # | Bridge | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | SMITH BRIDGE RD over BRANDYWINE CREEK | 59.9 |
| 2 | BRACKENVILLE RD over MILL CREEK | 68.1 |
| 3 | BARLEY MILL RD. over RED CLAY CREEK | 62.4 |
| 4 | DIVISION ST. / SR8 over ST. JONES RIVER | 64.8 |
| 5 | LANCASTER PK/SR48 over CSX RAILROAD | 66.8 |
| 6 | S.W. FRONT ST over MISPILLION RIVER | 42.4 |
| 7 | AUGUSTINE CUTOFF over BRANDYWINE CREEK | 58.0 |
| 8 | RISING SUN LANE over BRANDYWINE CREEK | 55.8 |
| 9 | FOURTH ST over CSX RAILROAD | 55.4 |
| 10 | LOVERING 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.
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