What to do with the old Love Creek bridge?

The old bridge over Love Creek on Route 24 – built in 1939 and upgraded and resurfaced in 1970 – is no longer used by vehicles but is a favorite spot for people who crab and fish. The bridge was replaced in 1992 with another structure beside it.

State transportation officials had a Sept. 9 workshop at Beacon Middle School to solicit input and comments from area residents on what to do with the old bridge.

DelDOT presented three options: Remove the bridge at an estimated cost of $286,000; full rehabilitation at an estimated cost of $204,000; and partial removal and partial rehabilitation at an estimated cost of $167,000.

Under the partial removal option, the middle section of the bridge would be removed but access would be provided from both sides.

Many residents attending the workshop seemed to support the second option of repairing and maintaining the bridge. Some resident said if the old bridge was removed it would allow for taller boats to use that end of Love Creek. The new bridge is about 10 feet taller than the old bridge.

DelDOT officials say if the bridge is rehabilitated there is still a chance it could be removed in the future due to roadway improvements along Route 24.

“We would prefer not to maintain a crabbing bridge, but we are here to listen to input from the residents,” said Barry Benton, DelDOT bridge section director.

David Olimshak, who works at the Boat Hole Marina next to the bridge, said he supports the full rehabilitation options. He said the loss of the old bridge would hurt the marina's business. In addition, it would cut off pedestrian access across Love Creek on the east side of Route 24.

The marina charges for parking on the west side of the bridge; there is no public parking available on the east side. He said as many as 150 people a day use the bridge for crabbing and fishing during the season.

Olimshak said the state needs to consider safety when making its final decision. “A lot of people use the old bridge as a walking path to stay off Route 24 and the other bridge,” he said.

Written comments can be submitted to DelDOT Public Relations, PO Box 778, Dover, DE 19903.