Nanticoke River Bridge celebrates 100 years linking Seaford and Blades communities

SEAFORD, Del. - A century ago on April 23, 1925, a new chapter began for the towns of Seaford and Blades as the Nanticoke River Bridge officially opened to traffic. On this day, locals are celebrating the 100th anniversary of the iconic structure.

A Grand Opening for a New Era

The morning of 1925, a parade marked the bridge’s debut, said Jim Bowden with the Georgetown Historical Society. Seaford Mayor Charles Hastings and Blades Mayor Josh Hare led the celebration as groups gathered on both sides of the river. The Seaford High School band added cheer, and hundreds of people who lived there joined the historic walk.

The first car to ever cross the bridge was Seaford Fire Company’s first motorized firetruck known as Ole Number One. Later that summer, five hand-carved marble markers were added, etched with “Blades,” “Seaford,” “1925,” and “Nanticoke River.” The stones were made locally at Seaford Marble Works on High Street, giving a lasting tribute to the community’s pride.

More Than Just a Bridge

Though it officially carries no name, locals refer to the bridge differently depending on their hometown, “the Blades Bridge” to those in Seaford and “the Seaford Bridge” to people in Blades said Bowden.

It once housed the original Delaware State Police Troop 5 in the bridge tender’s office, serving as a base before the department relocated to Bridgeville. The bridge itself is a drawbridge, built by the Chicago Bascule Bridge Company. It uses a counterweight system to lift and allow boats to pass beneath. Measuring 201.8 feet in total length, with a 24-foot deck width and a 55-foot main span.

Preserving the Past for the Future

Now, a makeover is on the horizon for the 100-year-old structure. While construction detours may pose short-term inconvenience, they underscore how vital the bridge remains to daily life in the area according to Bowden.