US Bridges

Md 51 over C&o Canal

Fair

Allegany County, Maryland · 0.64 MI W of W Va Line · Structure no. 100000010048010

Built
1932
93 years old, rebuilt 2021
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel
Length
92 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
1,642
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Md 51 over C&o Canal is a steel truss - thru carrying Md 51 over C&o Canal in Allegany County, Maryland. It was built in 1932 and reconstructed in 2021, 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 fair condition with a lowest component rating of 6 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

It carries about 1,642 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,044 by 2040. The structure is 92 ft (28 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 24.9 mi (40 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesMd 51
CrossesC&o Canal
Location0.64 MI W of W Va Line
RouteState Highway 51
CountyAllegany County
StateMaryland
Coordinates39.54388, -78.46167
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating47.8 US tons
Inventory rating36.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length92 ft (28 m)
Longest span89 ft (27.1 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.5 m)
Roadway width25 ft (7.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,642 (2018)
Projected traffic2,044 by 2040
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesPedestrian / bicycle
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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was Md 51 over C&o Canal built?

It was built in 1932, making it 93 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2021.

What condition is Md 51 over C&o Canal in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in fair condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound. The last reported inspection was in June 2024.

How much traffic does Md 51 over C&o Canal carry?

About 1,642 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is Md 51 over C&o Canal?

The structure is 92 ft (28 m) long with a longest span of 89 ft (27.1 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns Md 51 over C&o Canal?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.