US Bridges

Childs Road over Little Elk Creek

Fair

Cecil County, Maryland · 0.55 MI NE of Md 545 · Structure no. 200000CE0023010

Built
1946
79 years old, rebuilt 1991
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
76 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
964
2023 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Childs Road over Little Elk Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Childs Road over Little Elk Creek in Cecil County, Maryland. It was built in 1946 and reconstructed in 1991, so it is 79 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.

It carries about 964 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,176 by 2043. The structure is 76 ft (23.2 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesChilds Road
CrossesLittle Elk Creek
Location0.55 MI NE of Md 545
RouteCounty Highway 180
CountyCecil County
StateMaryland
Coordinates39.6516, -75.86532
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 inspectionSeptember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourCountermeasures installed to correct a previously existing problem
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating84.4 US tons
Inventory rating50.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length76 ft (23.2 m)
Longest span73 ft (22.3 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.6 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic964 (2023)
Projected traffic1,176 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 statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$153,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Childs Road over Little Elk Creek built?

It was built in 1946, making it 79 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1991.

What condition is Childs Road over Little Elk 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 September 2023.

How much traffic does Childs Road over Little Elk Creek carry?

About 964 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Childs Road over Little Elk Creek?

The structure is 76 ft (23.2 m) long with a longest span of 73 ft (22.3 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns Childs Road over Little Elk Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.