US Bridges

Bishops Head Road over Goose Creek

Fair

Dorchester County, Maryland · 0.37 MI S of Toddville RD · Structure no. 200000D-0009010

Built
1989
36 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2023
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
38 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
133
2021 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Bishops Head Road over Goose Creek is a concrete slab carrying Bishops Head Road over Goose Creek in Dorchester County, Maryland. It was built in 1989, so it is 36 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 133 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 180 by 2041. The structure is 38 ft (11.6 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesBishops Head Road
CrossesGoose Creek
Location0.37 MI S of Toddville RD
RouteCounty Highway 151
CountyDorchester County
StateMaryland
Coordinates38.28292, -76.06228
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
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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionNovember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
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 adequacy7: Better than present minimum 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 traffic133 (2021)
Projected traffic180 by 2041
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 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$60,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Bishops Head Road over Goose Creek built?

It was built in 1989, making it 36 years old in 2025.

What condition is Bishops Head Road over Goose 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 Bishops Head Road over Goose Creek carry?

About 133 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Bishops Head Road over Goose 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 Bishops Head Road over Goose Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.