Frequently Asked Questions
Constructed in 1939, the bridges along the Ocean Drive Causeway are over 75 years old and have exceeded their service life. Age, deterioration, and increased traffic volume and loads (weight of vehicles) are some of the reasons why these bridges are in need of major rehabilitation or replacement. Additionally, Ocean Drive sits below the 100-year flood elevation and is therefore vulnerable to inundation. As an important evacuation route, it is important that Ocean Drive remain passable during storm events.
The bridges were built in 1939 and are beyond their serviceable life at over 75 years old. The bridges require routine inspection every two years with an interim inspection every 12 months due to the low inventory rating. The bridges are currently safe to travel on, however, without significant on-going structural maintenance, the bridges may require a more restrictive load posting (further restrictions on the type and weight of vehicles allowed to use the bridge) due to the continued deterioration. The table below summarizes the existing conditions of the three bridges:
| Condition | Mill Creek | Upper Thorofare | Middle Thorofare |
| Bridge Sufficiency(out of 100) | 47.3(Functionally Obsolete) | 34(Structurally Deficient) | 7(Structurally Deficient) |
| Superstructure(scale of 1-9) | 5(Fair) | 5(Fair) | 4(Poor) |
| Deck(scale of 1-9) | 5(Fair) | 5(Fair) | 6(Satisfactory) |
| Substructure(scale of 1-9) | 5(Fair) | 4(Poor) | 4(Poor) |
| Inspection Year | 2016 | 2016 | 2015 |