US Bridges

Md 51 over Town Creek

Poor

Allegany County, Maryland · 0.07 MI W of Gun Club RD · Structure no. 100000010047010

Built
1932
93 years old, rebuilt 2001
Condition
Poor
inspected June 2024
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel
Length
207 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
2,022
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Md 51 over Town Creek is a steel truss - thru carrying Md 51 over Town Creek in Allegany County, Maryland. It was built in 1932 and reconstructed in 2001, so it is 93 years old, older than the Maryland average of 52.6 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

It carries about 2,022 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,468 by 2042. The structure is 207 ft (63.1 m) long and 29 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 24.9 mi (40 km).

Location

No coordinates are recorded for this structure.

CarriesMd 51
CrossesTown Creek
Location0.07 MI W of Gun Club RD
RouteState Highway 51
CountyAllegany County
StateMaryland
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating50 US tons
Inventory rating29.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadH 20
Structure length207 ft (63.1 m)
Longest span103 ft (31.4 m)
Deck width29 ft (8.7 m)
Roadway width27 ft (8.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deck12 ft (3.7 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,022 (2022)
Projected traffic2,468 by 2042
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed24.9 mi (40 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusPossibly eligible for the National Register; requires further investigation
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$389,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Md 51 over Town Creek built?

It was built in 1932, making it 93 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2001.

What condition is Md 51 over Town Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in June 2024.

How much traffic does Md 51 over Town Creek carry?

About 2,022 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is Md 51 over Town Creek?

The structure is 207 ft (63.1 m) long with a longest span of 103 ft (31.4 m) and a deck 29 ft wide.

Who owns Md 51 over Town Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.