US Bridges

Green Spring Road over North Branch of Potomac

PoorPosted for load

Allegany County, Maryland · 0.3 MI S of Md RTE 51 · Structure no. 200000A-OT01060

Built
1937
88 years old, rebuilt 1996
Condition
Poor
inspected December 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
314 ft
11 main spans
Daily traffic
959
2024 count
Owner
Private
Private (other than railroad)

About this bridge

Green Spring Road over North Branch of Potomac is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Green Spring Road over North Branch of Potomac in Allegany County, Maryland. It was built in 1937 and reconstructed in 1996, so it is 88 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 959 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,187 by 2044. The structure is 314 ft (95.7 m) long and 12 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 31.1 mi (50 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesGreen Spring Road
CrossesNorth Branch of Potomac
Location0.3 MI S of Md RTE 51
RouteCounty Highway 542
CountyAllegany County
StateMaryland
Coordinates39.53718, -78.61337
Functional classRural Local

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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionDecember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourCountermeasures installed to correct a previously existing problem
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Approach roadway alignment4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Operating rating23.5 US tons
Inventory rating14 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans11
Design loadHS 20
Structure length314 ft (95.7 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width12 ft (3.7 m)
Roadway width11 ft (3.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic959 (2024)
Projected traffic1,187 by 2044
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed31.1 mi (50 km)
TollOn a toll road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerPrivate (other than railroad)
Maintained byPrivate (other than railroad)
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$4.1 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Green Spring Road over North Branch of Potomac built?

It was built in 1937, making it 88 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1996.

What condition is Green Spring Road over North Branch of Potomac 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 December 2024.

How much traffic does Green Spring Road over North Branch of Potomac carry?

About 959 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is Green Spring Road over North Branch of Potomac?

The structure is 314 ft (95.7 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 12 ft wide.

Who owns Green Spring Road over North Branch of Potomac?

It is owned by the Private (other than railroad).