US Bridges

Mechanics Valley R over CSX Railroad

Poor

Cecil County, Maryland · 1.58 Miles N of Md 7 · Structure no. 200000CE0042010

Built
1975
50 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected August 2024
Type
Box Beam or Girders - Multiple
Prestressed Concrete
Length
142 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
4,734
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Mechanics Valley R over CSX Railroad is a prestressed concrete box beam or girders - multiple carrying Mechanics Valley R over CSX Railroad in Cecil County, Maryland. It was built in 1975, so it is 50 years old, younger than the Maryland average of 52.6 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

It carries about 4,734 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,380 by 2042. The structure is 142 ft (43.3 m) long and 25 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesMechanics Valley R
CrossesCSX Railroad
Location1.58 Miles N of Md 7
RouteCounty Highway 167
CountyCecil County
StateMaryland
Coordinates39.62261, -75.92787
Functional classRural Minor Collector

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Approach roadway alignment3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Operating rating91.5 US tons
Inventory rating54.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeBox Beam or Girders - Multiple
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadUnknown
Structure length142 ft (43.3 m)
Longest span44 ft (13.4 m)
Deck width25 ft (7.7 m)
Roadway width22 ft (6.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,734 (2022)
Projected traffic6,380 by 2042
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRailroad
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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$238,000
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was Mechanics Valley R over CSX Railroad built?

It was built in 1975, making it 50 years old in 2025.

What condition is Mechanics Valley R over CSX Railroad in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in August 2024.

How much traffic does Mechanics Valley R over CSX Railroad carry?

About 4,734 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Mechanics Valley R over CSX Railroad?

The structure is 142 ft (43.3 m) long with a longest span of 44 ft (13.4 m) and a deck 25 ft wide.

Who owns Mechanics Valley R over CSX Railroad?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.