US Bridges

Decoursey Bridge over Transquaking River

Fair

Dorchester County, Maryland · 1.27 MI E of Bucktown RD · Structure no. 200000D-0026010

Built
1994
31 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2023
Type
Slab
Wood or Timber
Length
128 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
244
2023 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Decoursey Bridge over Transquaking River is a wood or timber slab carrying Decoursey Bridge over Transquaking River in Dorchester County, Maryland. It was built in 1994, so it is 31 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 244 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 366 by 2043. The structure is 128 ft (39 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 9.9 mi (16 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesDecoursey Bridge
CrossesTransquaking River
Location1.27 MI E of Bucktown RD
RouteCounty Highway 169
CountyDorchester County
StateMaryland
Coordinates38.78159, -76.00169
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.
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 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 rating110.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans5
Design loadHS 20
Structure length128 ft (39 m)
Longest span25 ft (7.6 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.5 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic244 (2023)
Projected traffic366 by 2043
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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Decoursey Bridge over Transquaking River built?

It was built in 1994, making it 31 years old in 2025.

What condition is Decoursey Bridge over Transquaking 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 Decoursey Bridge over Transquaking River carry?

About 244 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Decoursey Bridge over Transquaking River?

The structure is 128 ft (39 m) long with a longest span of 25 ft (7.6 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns Decoursey Bridge over Transquaking River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.