The new Indian River Inlet Bridge will be located slightly west of the existing bridge allowing construction activities to proceed with minimal impact to traffic. The new bridge is expected to have a 1000-foot main span and will maintain a minimum vertical underclearance of 45 feet for navigational purposes. The new structure will carry two 12-foot travel lanes, 10-foot outside shoulders, and 4-foot inside shoulders in each direction over the inlet. Additionally, a 12-foot protected sidewalk will be included on the ocean side of the northbound lanes.

The final bridge type will be determined through a Design-Build process. This process will utilize design-build teams that are comprised of engineering and construction specialists best suited for a project of this size and type. An estimated three design-build teams will be selected (shortlisted) based on their qualifications and then asked to develop preliminary designs and submit technical and cost proposals. Several factors will be considered in the evaluation and ranking of proposals. Some of these factors will include price, schedule, aesthetic appeal, structure durability and public outreach.

The Department began the readvertised design-build procurement process October 29, 2007. Final selection and award of the contract is scheduled to occur Spring 2008. Construction activities are expected to begin as soon as possible after award of the contract. The completion date for the new bridge will ultimately depend on schedule proposal of the successful design-build team, but is anticipated to occur by the end of 2011. The Bridge Replacement Procurement Information can be viewed here.

As part of the earlier bridge design process, several Indian River Inlet Bridge renderings were developed for consideration by DelDOT and the public. In order to maximize the innovation and creativity from the design-build teams, the Department will not be dictating specific bridge structure types and styles to the proposing teams. As a result, we are unable to provide renderings of the proposed bridge at this time. However, some previously prepared renderings are shown, which may resemble the final structure. Once the design-build contract is awarded, illustrations of the successful proposer's bridge will be provided.

View Former Design

Bridge Example 1 - Prepared by T.Y.LIN International

Bridge Example 2 - Prepared by T.Y. LIN International

Bridge Example 3 - Prepared by Figg Bridge Engineers, Inc.