US Bridges

Smithville Road over Beaverdam Creek

Fair

Dorchester County, Maryland · 4.7 Miles S. of Md. 16 · Structure no. 200000D-0002010

Built
1985
40 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2023
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
38 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
143
2023 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Smithville Road over Beaverdam Creek is a concrete slab carrying Smithville Road over Beaverdam Creek in Dorchester County, Maryland. It was built in 1985, so it is 40 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 5 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 143 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 212 by 2043. The structure is 38 ft (11.6 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 14.9 mi (24 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSmithville Road
CrossesBeaverdam Creek
Location4.7 Miles S. of Md. 16
RouteCounty Highway 97
CountyDorchester County
StateMaryland
Coordinates38.42913, -76.23776
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionNovember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating110.1 US tons
Inventory rating87 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length38 ft (11.6 m)
Longest span18 ft (5.5 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.5 m)
Roadway width27 ft (8.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic143 (2023)
Projected traffic212 by 2043
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed14.9 mi (24 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 Smithville Road over Beaverdam Creek built?

It was built in 1985, making it 40 years old in 2025.

What condition is Smithville Road over Beaverdam 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 November 2023.

How much traffic does Smithville Road over Beaverdam Creek carry?

About 143 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Smithville Road over Beaverdam Creek?

The structure is 38 ft (11.6 m) long with a longest span of 18 ft (5.5 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns Smithville Road over Beaverdam Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.