St. Georges Bridge (Delaware)

St. Georges Bridge is a vertical-lift bridge located in St. Georges, Delaware, carrying Delaware Route 13 (DuPont Highway) over the Chesapeake & Delaware Canal. It is a major transportation artery in the region, facilitating the flow of traffic between Wilmington and points south.

The bridge was originally constructed in the early 1940s to replace an earlier drawbridge that was inadequate for increasing traffic volumes and larger ships navigating the canal. The vertical-lift design allows for the passage of large vessels underneath the bridge when raised.

The bridge consists of a steel truss structure with a central lift span. When in the lowered position, the lift span provides clearance for most vessels. However, when larger ships need to pass, the lift span is raised vertically between two towers, creating a significantly larger clearance. The lifting mechanism is operated from a control house located on the bridge.

St. Georges Bridge plays a critical role in the transportation infrastructure of Delaware and the Mid-Atlantic region, handling significant daily traffic. Regular inspections and maintenance are performed to ensure its structural integrity and continued safe operation. The bridge has undergone various repairs and upgrades throughout its lifespan to maintain its functionality and prolong its service life.