US Bridges

Essex Road over Gwynns Falls

Fair

Baltimore County, Maryland · 0.1 MI N Liberty RD · Structure no. 200000B-0061010

Built
1963
62 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
140 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
7,029
2023 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Essex Road over Gwynns Falls is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Essex Road over Gwynns Falls in Baltimore County, Maryland. It was built in 1963, so it is 62 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 7,029 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 9,209 by 2043. The structure is 140 ft (42.7 m) long and 50 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesEssex Road
CrossesGwynns Falls
Location0.1 MI N Liberty RD
RouteCounty Highway 1901
CountyBaltimore County
StateMaryland
Coordinates39.34639, -76.73428
Functional classUrban 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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating99.4 US tons
Inventory rating59.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length140 ft (42.7 m)
Longest span68 ft (20.7 m)
Deck width50 ft (15.2 m)
Roadway width36 ft (11 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic7,029 (2023)
Projected traffic9,209 by 2043
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Essex Road over Gwynns Falls built?

It was built in 1963, making it 62 years old in 2025.

What condition is Essex Road over Gwynns 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 Essex Road over Gwynns Falls carry?

About 7,029 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Essex Road over Gwynns Falls?

The structure is 140 ft (42.7 m) long with a longest span of 68 ft (20.7 m) and a deck 50 ft wide.

Who owns Essex Road over Gwynns Falls?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.