US Bridges

Md 147 over Gunpowder Falls

Fair

Baltimore County, Maryland · 0.03 MI S of Notch Cliff · Structure no. 100000030094010

Built
1929
96 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Arch - Deck
Concrete
Length
124 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
7,982
2009 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Md 147 over Gunpowder Falls is a concrete arch - deck carrying Md 147 over Gunpowder Falls in Baltimore County, Maryland. It was built in 1929, so it is 96 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 7,982 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 9,987 by 2026. The structure is 124 ft (37.8 m) long and 27 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

No coordinates are recorded for this structure.

CarriesMd 147
CrossesGunpowder Falls
Location0.03 MI S of Notch Cliff
RouteState Highway 147
CountyBaltimore County
StateMaryland
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
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.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionJune 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourCountermeasures installed to correct a previously existing problem
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating61.9 US tons
Inventory rating37 US tons

Structure

Structure typeArch - Deck
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length124 ft (37.8 m)
Longest span60 ft (18.3 m)
Deck width27 ft (8.3 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic7,982 (2009)
Projected traffic9,987 by 2026
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedWidening of existing bridge without deck rehabilitation
Estimated improvement cost$242,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Md 147 over Gunpowder Falls built?

It was built in 1929, making it 96 years old in 2025.

What condition is Md 147 over Gunpowder Falls 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 2023.

How much traffic does Md 147 over Gunpowder Falls carry?

About 7,982 vehicles per day (2009 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is Md 147 over Gunpowder Falls?

The structure is 124 ft (37.8 m) long with a longest span of 60 ft (18.3 m) and a deck 27 ft wide.

Who owns Md 147 over Gunpowder Falls?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.