US Bridges

Hutchins Mill Road over Nelson Branch

FairPosted for load

Baltimore County, Maryland · 0.41 MI N of Hess RD · Structure no. 200000B-0197010

Built
1920
105 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2023
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
26 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
135
2023 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Hutchins Mill Road over Nelson Branch is a concrete continuous slab carrying Hutchins Mill Road over Nelson Branch in Baltimore County, Maryland. It was built in 1920, so it is 105 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 135 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 160 by 2043. The structure is 26 ft (7.9 m) long and 22 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesHutchins Mill Road
CrossesNelson Branch
Location0.41 MI N of Hess RD
RouteCounty Highway 254
CountyBaltimore County
StateMaryland
Coordinates39.56294, -76.55264
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionNovember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourCountermeasures installed to correct a previously existing problem
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating36 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length26 ft (7.9 m)
Longest span12 ft (3.7 m)
Deck width22 ft (6.7 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic135 (2023)
Projected traffic160 by 2043
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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 Hutchins Mill Road over Nelson Branch built?

It was built in 1920, making it 105 years old in 2025.

What condition is Hutchins Mill Road over Nelson Branch 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 November 2023.

How much traffic does Hutchins Mill Road over Nelson Branch carry?

About 135 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Hutchins Mill Road over Nelson Branch?

The structure is 26 ft (7.9 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.7 m) and a deck 22 ft wide.

Who owns Hutchins Mill Road over Nelson Branch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.