US Bridges

Bell Manor RD over Conowingo Creek

FairPosted for load

Cecil County, Maryland · 0.03 MI N of Old Con RD · Structure no. 200000CE0002010

Built
1885
140 years old, rebuilt 1989
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2023
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel
Length
108 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
136
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Bell Manor RD over Conowingo Creek is a steel truss - thru carrying Bell Manor RD over Conowingo Creek in Cecil County, Maryland. It was built in 1885 and reconstructed in 1989, so it is 140 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 136 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 183 by 2042. The structure is 108 ft (32.8 m) long and 19 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesBell Manor RD
CrossesConowingo Creek
Location0.03 MI N of Old Con RD
RouteCounty Highway 3
CountyCecil County
StateMaryland
Coordinates39.68453, -76.19489
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 inspectionJanuary 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Operating rating22 US tons
Inventory rating10 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckOpen grating
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length108 ft (32.8 m)
Longest span105 ft (32 m)
Deck width19 ft (5.9 m)
Roadway width16 ft (4.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deck17 ft (5.2 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic136 (2022)
Projected traffic183 by 2042
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-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 statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$69,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Bell Manor RD over Conowingo Creek built?

It was built in 1885, making it 140 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1989.

What condition is Bell Manor RD over Conowingo Creek 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 2023.

How much traffic does Bell Manor RD over Conowingo Creek carry?

About 136 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Bell Manor RD over Conowingo Creek?

The structure is 108 ft (32.8 m) long with a longest span of 105 ft (32 m) and a deck 19 ft wide.

Who owns Bell Manor RD over Conowingo Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.