US Bridges

Tawes Drive over Big Elk Creek

FairPosted for load

Cecil County, Maryland · 2 Mi. N of Md RTE 273 · Structure no. 300000CENR03010

Built
1860
165 years old, rebuilt 1992
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Truss - Thru
Wood or Timber
Length
68 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
10
2010 count
Owner
State
Other State Agency

About this bridge

Tawes Drive over Big Elk Creek is a wood or timber truss - thru carrying Tawes Drive over Big Elk Creek in Cecil County, Maryland. It was built in 1860 and reconstructed in 1992, so it is 165 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 5 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 10 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 20 by 2032. The structure is 68 ft (20.7 m) long and 13 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesTawes Drive
CrossesBig Elk Creek
Location2 Mi. N of Md RTE 273
RouteState Lands Road 0
CountyCecil County
StateMaryland
Coordinates39.70963, -75.83742
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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Operating rating10.5 US tons
Inventory rating8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length68 ft (20.7 m)
Longest span66 ft (20.1 m)
Deck width13 ft (4.1 m)
Roadway width12 ft (3.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic10 (2010)
Projected traffic20 by 2032
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerOther State Agency
Maintained byOther State Agency
Historic statusPossibly eligible for the National Register; requires further investigation
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$7,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Tawes Drive over Big Elk Creek built?

It was built in 1860, making it 165 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1992.

What condition is Tawes Drive 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 July 2024.

How much traffic does Tawes Drive over Big Elk Creek carry?

About 10 vehicles per day (2010 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Tawes Drive over Big Elk Creek?

The structure is 68 ft (20.7 m) long with a longest span of 66 ft (20.1 m) and a deck 13 ft wide.

Who owns Tawes Drive over Big Elk Creek?

It is owned by the Other State Agency.