US Bridges

Bottom Road over Little Gunpowder Falls

FairPosted for load

Baltimore County, Maryland · 1.8 MI NE of Fork Road · Structure no. 200000B-0006010

Built
1886
139 years old, rebuilt 2001
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Truss - Thru
Aluminum, Wrought Iron, or Cast Iron
Length
100 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
223
2023 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Bottom Road over Little Gunpowder Falls is a aluminum, wrought iron, or cast iron truss - thru carrying Bottom Road over Little Gunpowder Falls in Baltimore County, Maryland. It was built in 1886 and reconstructed in 2001, so it is 139 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 223 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 272 by 2043. The structure is 100 ft (30.5 m) long and 16 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

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CarriesBottom Road
CrossesLittle Gunpowder Falls
Location1.8 MI NE of Fork Road
RouteCounty Highway 293
CountyBaltimore County
StateMaryland
Coordinates39.50438, -76.42987
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Fair

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load 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 alignment3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Operating rating39.5 US tons
Inventory rating23.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialAluminum, Wrought Iron, or Cast Iron
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadH 15
Structure length100 ft (30.5 m)
Longest span97 ft (29.6 m)
Deck width16 ft (4.9 m)
Roadway width13 ft (4.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deck13 ft (4 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic223 (2023)
Projected traffic272 by 2043
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusEligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Bottom Road over Little Gunpowder Falls built?

It was built in 1886, making it 139 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2001.

What condition is Bottom Road over Little 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 October 2023.

How much traffic does Bottom Road over Little Gunpowder Falls carry?

About 223 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is Bottom Road over Little Gunpowder Falls?

The structure is 100 ft (30.5 m) long with a longest span of 97 ft (29.6 m) and a deck 16 ft wide.

Who owns Bottom Road over Little Gunpowder Falls?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.