US Bridges

Md 157 (peninsula over Bear Creek

Fair

Baltimore County, Maryland · 1.39 Mile North of Md 158 · Structure no. 100000030365010

Built
1960
65 years old, rebuilt 1999
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Movable - Bascule
Steel
Length
1,352 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
9,858
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Md 157 (peninsula over Bear Creek is a steel movable - bascule carrying Md 157 (peninsula over Bear Creek in Baltimore County, Maryland. It was built in 1960 and reconstructed in 1999, so it is 65 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 9,858 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 14,648 by 2044. The structure is 1,352 ft (412.1 m) long and 50 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesMd 157 (peninsula
CrossesBear Creek
Location1.39 Mile North of Md 158
RouteCounty Highway 157
CountyBaltimore County
StateMaryland
Coordinates39.24859, -76.49298
Functional classUrban Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Fair

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating56 US tons
Inventory rating33.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeMovable - Bascule
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1 (+15 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length1,352 ft (412.1 m)
Longest span97 ft (29.6 m)
Deck width50 ft (15.2 m)
Roadway width43 ft (13.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deck24 ft (7.3 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic9,858 (2024)
Projected traffic14,648 by 2044
Trucks11%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was Md 157 (peninsula over Bear Creek built?

It was built in 1960, making it 65 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1999.

What condition is Md 157 (peninsula over Bear Creek 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 March 2023.

How much traffic does Md 157 (peninsula over Bear Creek carry?

About 9,858 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is Md 157 (peninsula over Bear Creek?

The structure is 1,352 ft (412.1 m) long with a longest span of 97 ft (29.6 m) and a deck 50 ft wide.

Who owns Md 157 (peninsula over Bear Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.