Baltimore Hundred near Bethany Beach in Sussex County, Delaware — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Indian River Inlet and Bridge
Nature vs. Technology
Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), September 16, 2022
1. Indian River Inlet and Bridge Marker
The Indian River Inlet has not always existed in its current location. This barrier beach environment is dynamic, and the opening to the inlet has opened and closed at different locations.
When the inlet closed, navigation, water quality, mosquito control and the fishing industry all suffered. In November of 1929, dynamite was used to open up the inlet which was later dredged to keep it open to navigation.
In 1934, a simple wooden bridge over the inlet completed the construction of Ocean Highway, which is now State Route 1. By the late 1930s, jetties were constructed to stabilize the inlet.
In 1938, a concrete and steel swing bridge replaced the deteriorating wooden design. In 1940, the bridge was named for Charles W. Cullen, Chairman of Commissioners for the State Highway Commission.
In 1962, a steel-girder bridge, supported by concrete piers replaced the swing bridge. Over time, the currents through the inlet scoured the channel and threatened the future stability of the bridge. The current bridge, completed in 2012, spans the entire inlet and is expected to last more than 100 years.
Erected by Delaware
this page online
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Animals • Bridges & Viaducts • Roads & Vehicles • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Delaware State Parks series list. A significant historical month for this entry is November 1929.
Location. 38° 36.406′ N, 75° 3.88′ W. Marker is near Bethany Beach, Delaware, in Sussex County. It is in Baltimore Hundred. It is on Turn Point Road (Local Road 50A) west of South Inlet Road, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 39439 S Inlet Rd, Bethany Beach DE 19930, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is on Delawares Beaches. It is also in the American Mid-Atlantic, on the Delmarva Peninsula, and on the Eastern Seaboard. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Netherland, one of the original Thirteen Colonies, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of
Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), September 16, 2022
2. Indian River Inlet and Bridge Marker
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. An identical marker stands on the north side of the park.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 25, 2026. It was originally submitted on September 18, 2022, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 309 times since then and 28 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 18, 2022, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
