US Bridges

Principio Road over Principio Creek

FairPosted for load

Cecil County, Maryland · 0.12 MI S of Red Toad RD · Structure no. 200000CE0052010

Built
1980
45 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
52 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
834
2023 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Principio Road over Principio Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Principio Road over Principio Creek in Cecil County, Maryland. It was built in 1980, so it is 45 years old, younger 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 834 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,125 by 2043. The structure is 52 ft (15.9 m) long and 20 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesPrincipio Road
CrossesPrincipio Creek
Location0.12 MI S of Red Toad RD
RouteCounty Highway 67
CountyCecil County
StateMaryland
Coordinates39.64939, -76.03964
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 inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourCountermeasures installed to correct a previously existing problem
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 adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating34.9 US tons
Inventory rating20.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckOpen grating
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length52 ft (15.9 m)
Longest span50 ft (15.2 m)
Deck width20 ft (6.1 m)
Roadway width18 ft (5.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic834 (2023)
Projected traffic1,125 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 proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$27,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Principio Road over Principio Creek built?

It was built in 1980, making it 45 years old in 2025.

What condition is Principio Road over Principio 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 July 2023.

How much traffic does Principio Road over Principio Creek carry?

About 834 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Principio Road over Principio Creek?

The structure is 52 ft (15.9 m) long with a longest span of 50 ft (15.2 m) and a deck 20 ft wide.

Who owns Principio Road over Principio Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.