Project Name

BR 1-137 on Foxhill Lane over Red Clay Creek and Rolling Mill Retaining Wall

Project Limits

Rolling Mill Road and Foxhill Lane

Project Need

In September of 2003, the remnants of Tropical Storm Henri caused the streams and rivers of New Castle County to swell to 100-year storm levels, demolishing stream banks, trees, and historic resources along the way. The Wooddale Covered Bridge was washed off its abutments and deposited downstream along the stream banks. As the only access to the small residential community of Wooddale, the Wooddale Covered Bridge served an important role not only in the historical heritage of the state, but also as a vital transportation link for the Wooddale residents.

Project Overview

The scope of the work for the project includes reconstructing the Wooddale Covered Bridge to match its historic dimensions with some modifications to ensure a long life protected from future storm events. These modifications include a roadway profile raised approximately 5 feet to allow more floodwater to pass beneath the bridge, larger portal opening to allow for the passage of emergency and garbage trucks, timber protection against vandalism and decay, and roadway alignment improvements to allow for safer passage. Also included with this project is the construction of a retaining wall along Rolling Mill Road. The wall will be used to stabilize the constantly eroding roadside while allowing for roadway alignment improvements to make the road safer.

Project Schedule

Design Phase:

Completed as of December, 2006

Construction Phase:

Begin Construction - September, 2007

Complete Construction - Late Summer of 2008