US Bridges

Suicide Bridge RD over Warwick River

Fair

Dorchester County, Maryland · N of Secretary · Structure no. 200000D-0018010

Built
1992
33 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2023
Type
Slab
Wood or Timber
Length
38 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
1,082
2023 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Suicide Bridge RD over Warwick River is a wood or timber slab carrying Suicide Bridge RD over Warwick River in Dorchester County, Maryland. It was built in 1992, so it is 33 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 1,082 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,319 by 2043. The structure is 38 ft (11.6 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSuicide Bridge RD
CrossesWarwick River
LocationN of Secretary
RouteCounty Highway 323
CountyDorchester County
StateMaryland
Coordinates38.61253, -75.94644
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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating74.5 US tons
Inventory rating52 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length38 ft (11.6 m)
Longest span36 ft (11 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.5 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,082 (2023)
Projected traffic1,319 by 2043
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 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 Suicide Bridge RD over Warwick River built?

It was built in 1992, making it 33 years old in 2025.

What condition is Suicide Bridge RD over Warwick 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 Suicide Bridge RD over Warwick River carry?

About 1,082 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Suicide Bridge RD over Warwick River?

The structure is 38 ft (11.6 m) long with a longest span of 36 ft (11 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns Suicide Bridge RD over Warwick River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.