US Bridges

US 15 over Potomac River CSX C&o

Fair

Frederick County, Maryland · Point of Rocks · Structure no. 100000100017010

Built
1939
86 years old, rebuilt 1996
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel
Length
1,700 ft
8 main spans
Daily traffic
20,473
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 15 over Potomac River CSX C&o is a steel truss - thru carrying US 15 over Potomac River CSX C&o in Frederick County, Maryland. It was built in 1939 and reconstructed in 1996, so it is 86 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 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 20,473 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 25,490 by 2044. The structure is 1,700 ft (518.2 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 18 mi (29 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 15
CrossesPotomac River CSX C&o
LocationPoint of Rocks
RouteU.S. Route 15
CountyFrederick County
StateMaryland
Coordinates39.27428, -77.54261
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
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 inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating39 US tons
Inventory rating23 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans8 (+6 approach)
Design loadH 20
Structure length1,700 ft (518.2 m)
Longest span165 ft (50.3 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.5 m)
Roadway width26 ft (8 m)
Vertical clearance over deck15 ft (4.6 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic20,473 (2022)
Projected traffic25,490 by 2044
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesRailroad and waterway
Detour if closed18 mi (29 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusPossibly eligible for the National Register; requires further investigation
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$39.6 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 15 over Potomac River CSX C&o built?

It was built in 1939, making it 86 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1996.

What condition is US 15 over Potomac River CSX C&o 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does US 15 over Potomac River CSX C&o carry?

About 20,473 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is US 15 over Potomac River CSX C&o?

The structure is 1,700 ft (518.2 m) long with a longest span of 165 ft (50.3 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns US 15 over Potomac River CSX C&o?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.