US Bridges

Hicks Road over Little Falls

Fair

Baltimore County, Maryland · 1 MI SE of Big Falls RD · Structure no. 200000B-0022010

Built
1988
37 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2024
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel
Length
67 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
3,030
2024 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Hicks Road over Little Falls is a steel truss - thru carrying Hicks Road over Little Falls in Baltimore County, Maryland. It was built in 1988, so it is 37 years old, younger 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 3,030 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,348 by 2044. The structure is 67 ft (20.4 m) long and 16 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesHicks Road
CrossesLittle Falls
Location1 MI SE of Big Falls RD
RouteCounty Highway 131
CountyBaltimore County
StateMaryland
Coordinates39.60896, -76.61979
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJanuary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
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 rating48.5 US tons
Inventory rating29 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckSteel plate
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length67 ft (20.4 m)
Longest span61 ft (18.6 m)
Deck width16 ft (5 m)
Roadway width13 ft (4.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,030 (2024)
Projected traffic3,348 by 2044
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$10,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Hicks Road over Little Falls built?

It was built in 1988, making it 37 years old in 2025.

What condition is Hicks Road over Little 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 January 2024.

How much traffic does Hicks Road over Little Falls carry?

About 3,030 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Hicks Road over Little Falls?

The structure is 67 ft (20.4 m) long with a longest span of 61 ft (18.6 m) and a deck 16 ft wide.

Who owns Hicks Road over Little Falls?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.