US Bridges

Mechanics Valley R over AMTRAK

Fair

Cecil County, Maryland · 0.24 MI S of US 40 · Structure no. 200000CE0101010

Built
1980
45 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
283 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
6,680
2023 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Mechanics Valley R over AMTRAK is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Mechanics Valley R over AMTRAK 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.

It carries about 6,680 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 9,132 by 2044. The structure is 283 ft (86.3 m) long and 47 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesMechanics Valley R
CrossesAMTRAK
Location0.24 MI S of US 40
RouteCounty Highway 167
CountyCecil County
StateMaryland
Coordinates39.60868, -75.93348
Functional classRural Minor Collector

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.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating93.5 US tons
Inventory rating56 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length283 ft (86.3 m)
Longest span111 ft (33.8 m)
Deck width47 ft (14.4 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,680 (2023)
Projected traffic9,132 by 2044
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRailroad
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$881,000
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was Mechanics Valley R over AMTRAK built?

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

What condition is Mechanics Valley R over AMTRAK 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 August 2024.

How much traffic does Mechanics Valley R over AMTRAK carry?

About 6,680 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Mechanics Valley R over AMTRAK?

The structure is 283 ft (86.3 m) long with a longest span of 111 ft (33.8 m) and a deck 47 ft wide.

Who owns Mechanics Valley R over AMTRAK?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.