US Bridges

US 15 over Owens Creek

Fair

Frederick County, Maryland · 0.6 Mile North of Md 550 · Structure no. 100000100004010

Built
1954
71 years old, rebuilt 1983
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
63 ft
Daily traffic
27,210
2009 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 15 over Owens Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 15 over Owens Creek in Frederick County, Maryland. It was built in 1954 and reconstructed in 1983, so it is 71 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 27,210 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 32,861 by 2026. The structure is 63 ft (19.2 m) long and 112 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 15
CrossesOwens Creek
Location0.6 Mile North of Md 550
RouteU.S. Route 15
CountyFrederick County
StateMaryland
Coordinates39.64016, -77.40214
Functional classUrban Principal Arterial - Other Freeway or Expressway

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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJune 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourCountermeasures installed to correct a previously existing problem
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating110.1 US tons
Inventory rating67 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans0
Design loadHS 20
Structure length63 ft (19.2 m)
Longest span63 ft (19.2 m)
Deck width112 ft (34.1 m)
Roadway width106 ft (32.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic27,210 (2009)
Projected traffic32,861 by 2026
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure5
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState 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$233,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 15 over Owens Creek built?

It was built in 1954, making it 71 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1983.

What condition is US 15 over Owens 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 June 2023.

How much traffic does US 15 over Owens Creek carry?

About 27,210 vehicles per day (2009 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is US 15 over Owens Creek?

The structure is 63 ft (19.2 m) long with a longest span of 63 ft (19.2 m) and a deck 112 ft wide.

Who owns US 15 over Owens Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.