Seaford – The Delaware Department of Transportation says a bridge near Seaford that collapsed last week in the aftermath of a nor’easter will be replaced.
Officials said Tuesday that the replacement bridge on Old Furnace Road, which is expected to cost about $800,000, will be built within the next three months. The agency is expediting its contracting and permitting process.
The new bridge will be a 60-foot single span. The estimated cost includes design, utility relocation and construction.
The old bridge failed when waterlogged soil overwhelmed two large corrugated metal pipes that ran underneath the road.
DelDOT is inspecting similar structures that were under water or carried large amounts of water during the recent storm event to ensure they are safe. Further investigation will occur at locations if warranted, according to officials.
Because of the bridge collapse on Old Furnace Road, additional traffic, including truck traffic, will be taking nearby Rum Ridge Road as a detour.
Truck drivers are advised that Rum Bridge Road has a truck weight restriction of 15 tons. DelDOT officials say the bridge structure has not been compromised by the heavy storms, and is not in danger of failure, but roads such as this are not designed to carry heavier truck traffic. According to DelDOT officials, in order to preserve the quality of this road, trucks larger than 15 tons should not use Rum Bridge Road. They should follow the posted truck detour. The detour directs eastbound traffic to take Old Furnace Road to Cokesbury Road and then take a right on Route 404/18 towards Route 113. Follow Route 113 southbound to Route 9 and travel westbound to Old Furnace Road.
