DelDOT proposing to build new bridge near Slaughter Beach

The Delaware Department of Transportation is looking to replace the swing bridge crossing Cedar Creek Canal on Cedar Creek Road leading to Slaughter Beach.

According to a notice published July 16 by the Delaware Coastal Management Program, as part of federal consistency certification, DelDOT is proposing to utilize a U.S. Coast Guard bridge permit for replacement of the bridge.

“The existing structure is DelDOT’s most active movable bridge,” said Kristin Aiosa, senior environmental scientist for the state’s consultant JMT Engineering, in a July 5 letter to the coastal management program that was included with the notice. “The structure has been subject to significant corrosion, which has caused section loss and continuous maintenance issues.”

The notice said the navigational channel of the Cedar Creek Canal will generally remain open for boat traffic during construction. However, the notice continues, temporary closures of the navigational channel will be required.

Closures to boaters will be coordinated with the Coast Guard, said Aiosa.

The notice says the proposed project will include demolition of the existing structure and substructures; installation of new piers, abutments and fenders; placement of riprap for protection of the Cedar Creek Canal bed; construction of a new control house; utility relocation; construction of new flanking bridge spans; construction of a new movable bascule span and associated structural elements; and roadway approach reconstruction.

The project consists of replacing the existing bobtail swing movable bridge, approaches and roadway with a single-leaf, Dutch bascule span, new approaches and new roadway, said Aiosa.

The existing structure is three spans, has an overall length of about 78 feet and provides a 22-foot-wide navigation structure, said Aiosa. The proposed structure will have a similar alignment, an overall length of roughly 76 feet and provide a 27-foot-wide navigation channel, she said.

The project also requires a wetlands and subaqueous lands permit from Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control and a permit from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Comments concerning the Federal Consistency Certification will be accepted until Tuesday, Aug. 15. Comments may be sent to: Delaware Coastal Programs, Kimberly Cole, Administrator, 100 W. Water St., Suite 7B, Dover, DE 19904, or electronically to DNREC_DCP_PublicComment@delaware.gov. For more information, call 302-739-9283.