US Bridges

Maple Dam RD over Little Blackwater River

Fair

Dorchester County, Maryland · 2.16 MI S of Md RTE 16 · Structure no. 200000D-0006030

Built
1960
65 years old, rebuilt 1975
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2023
Type
Culvert
Steel
Length
21 ft
Daily traffic
455
2019 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Maple Dam RD over Little Blackwater River is a steel culvert carrying Maple Dam RD over Little Blackwater River in Dorchester County, Maryland. It was built in 1960 and reconstructed in 1975, so it is 65 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 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 455 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 575 by 2039. The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 9.9 mi (16 km).

Location

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CarriesMaple Dam RD
CrossesLittle Blackwater River
Location2.16 MI S of Md RTE 16
RouteCounty Highway 139
CountyDorchester County
StateMaryland
Coordinates38.51669, -76.08103
Functional classRural Major 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
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionNovember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating110.1 US tons
Inventory rating110.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialSteel
DeckNot applicable
Main spans0
Design loadHS 20
Structure length21 ft (6.4 m)
Longest span6 ft (1.8 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic455 (2019)
Projected traffic575 by 2039
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed9.9 mi (16 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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$90,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Maple Dam RD over Little Blackwater River built?

It was built in 1960, making it 65 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1975.

What condition is Maple Dam RD over Little Blackwater River 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 Maple Dam RD over Little Blackwater River carry?

About 455 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Maple Dam RD over Little Blackwater River?

The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long with a longest span of 6 ft (1.8 m).

Who owns Maple Dam RD over Little Blackwater River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.