US Bridges

Spring Gap Access over C&o Canal

Fair

Allegany County, Maryland · 0.1 Miles from Spring Gap · Structure no. 3100016P0000000

Built
1969
56 years old, rebuilt 2003
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2023
Type
Girder and Floorbeam System
Steel
Length
39 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
72
2007 count
Owner
Federal
National Park Service

About this bridge

Spring Gap Access over C&o Canal is a steel girder and floorbeam system carrying Spring Gap Access over C&o Canal in Allegany County, Maryland. It was built in 1969 and reconstructed in 2003, so it is 56 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 5 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 72 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 79 by 2027. The structure is 39 ft (11.9 m) long and 22 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSpring Gap Access
CrossesC&o Canal
Location0.1 Miles from Spring Gap
RouteFederal Lands Road 202
CountyAllegany County
StateMaryland
Coordinates39.56469, -78.71833
Functional classRural Minor 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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionNovember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating28.4 US tons
Inventory rating17 US tons

Structure

Structure typeGirder and Floorbeam System
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length39 ft (11.9 m)
Longest span39 ft (11.9 m)
Deck width22 ft (6.8 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic72 (2007)
Projected traffic79 by 2027
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed98.8 mi (159 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerNational Park Service
Maintained byNational Park Service
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$285,000 (2017 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Spring Gap Access over C&o Canal built?

It was built in 1969, making it 56 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2003.

What condition is Spring Gap Access 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 November 2023.

How much traffic does Spring Gap Access over C&o Canal carry?

About 72 vehicles per day (2007 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is Spring Gap Access over C&o Canal?

The structure is 39 ft (11.9 m) long with a longest span of 39 ft (11.9 m) and a deck 22 ft wide.

Who owns Spring Gap Access over C&o Canal?

It is owned by the National Park Service.