US Bridges

Ricketts Mill RD over Big Elk Creek

Fair

Cecil County, Maryland · 0.25 MI NW of Md 316 · Structure no. 200000CE0027010

Built
1965
60 years old, rebuilt 1996
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
83 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
1,318
2023 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Ricketts Mill RD over Big Elk Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Ricketts Mill RD over Big Elk Creek in Cecil County, Maryland. It was built in 1965 and reconstructed in 1996, so it is 60 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 1,318 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,775 by 2043. The structure is 83 ft (25.3 m) long and 27 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRicketts Mill RD
CrossesBig Elk Creek
Location0.25 MI NW of Md 316
RouteCounty Highway 192
CountyCecil County
StateMaryland
Coordinates39.63123, -75.8255
Functional classUrban 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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
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 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 rating110.1 US tons
Inventory rating80 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length83 ft (25.3 m)
Longest span81 ft (24.7 m)
Deck width27 ft (8.3 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,318 (2023)
Projected traffic1,775 by 2043
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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 Ricketts Mill RD over Big Elk Creek built?

It was built in 1965, making it 60 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1996.

What condition is Ricketts Mill RD over Big 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 Ricketts Mill RD over Big Elk Creek carry?

About 1,318 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Ricketts Mill RD over Big Elk Creek?

The structure is 83 ft (25.3 m) long with a longest span of 81 ft (24.7 m) and a deck 27 ft wide.

Who owns Ricketts Mill RD over Big Elk Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.