US Bridges

Gunpowder Road over Compass Run

FairPosted for load

Baltimore County, Maryland · 0.3 MI S. of Bcklysvil RD · Structure no. 200000B-0409010

Built
1920
105 years old, rebuilt 1985
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
23 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
1,755
2023 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Gunpowder Road over Compass Run is a concrete slab carrying Gunpowder Road over Compass Run in Baltimore County, Maryland. It was built in 1920 and reconstructed in 1985, 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 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 1,755 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,142 by 2043. The structure is 23 ft (7.1 m) long and 22 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

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CarriesGunpowder Road
CrossesCompass Run
Location0.3 MI S. of Bcklysvil RD
RouteCounty Highway 3
CountyBaltimore County
StateMaryland
Coordinates39.63764, -76.7809
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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
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 inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
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 alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating40.5 US tons
Inventory rating24.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length23 ft (7.1 m)
Longest span11 ft (3.4 m)
Deck width22 ft (6.7 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,755 (2023)
Projected traffic2,142 by 2043
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-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 Gunpowder Road over Compass Run built?

It was built in 1920, making it 105 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1985.

What condition is Gunpowder Road over Compass Run 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 May 2023.

How much traffic does Gunpowder Road over Compass Run carry?

About 1,755 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Gunpowder Road over Compass Run?

The structure is 23 ft (7.1 m) long with a longest span of 11 ft (3.4 m) and a deck 22 ft wide.

Who owns Gunpowder Road over Compass Run?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.