Sparks Road over Gunpowder Falls
PoorPosted for loadBaltimore County, Maryland · 0.5 MI E of York RD · Structure no. 200000B-0018010
- Built
- 1888
- 137 years old, rebuilt 1990
- Condition
- Poor
- inspected February 2024
- Type
- Arch - Thru
- Steel
- Length
- 178 ft
- 1 main span
- Daily traffic
- 2,589
- 2024 count
- Owner
- County
- County Highway Agency
About this bridge
Sparks Road over Gunpowder Falls is a steel arch - thru carrying Sparks Road over Gunpowder Falls in Baltimore County, Maryland. It was built in 1888 and reconstructed in 1990, so it is 137 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 2,589 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,742 by 2044. The structure is 178 ft (54.3 m) long and 16 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).
Location
Open in Google MapsCondition and inspection
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.
| Component | Rating | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Deck | 5 Fair | All primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour. |
| Superstructure | 4 Poor | Advanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour. |
| Substructure | 5 Fair | All primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour. |
| Channel and channel protection | 5 Fair | All primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour. |
Structure
Traffic and service
Ownership and planned work
Frequently asked questions
When was Sparks Road over Gunpowder Falls built?
It was built in 1888, making it 137 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1990.
What condition is Sparks Road over Gunpowder Falls 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 February 2024.
How much traffic does Sparks Road over Gunpowder Falls carry?
About 2,589 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.
How long is Sparks Road over Gunpowder Falls?
The structure is 178 ft (54.3 m) long with a longest span of 175 ft (53.3 m) and a deck 16 ft wide.
Who owns Sparks Road over Gunpowder Falls?
It is owned by the County Highway Agency.