US Bridges

Blacks Mill Road over Big Hunting Creek

FairPosted for load

Frederick County, Maryland · West of Layman RD Int · Structure no. 200000F-0401010

Built
1914
111 years old, rebuilt 1995
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel
Length
70 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
450
2023 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Blacks Mill Road over Big Hunting Creek is a steel truss - thru carrying Blacks Mill Road over Big Hunting Creek in Frederick County, Maryland. It was built in 1914 and reconstructed in 1995, so it is 111 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 450 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 570 by 2045. The structure is 70 ft (21.3 m) long and 14 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesBlacks Mill Road
CrossesBig Hunting Creek
LocationWest of Layman RD Int
RouteCounty Highway 541
CountyFrederick County
StateMaryland
Coordinates39.56925, -77.39153
Functional classRural Major Collector

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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating19.5 US tons
Inventory rating11.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length70 ft (21.3 m)
Longest span70 ft (21.3 m)
Deck width14 ft (4.2 m)
Roadway width13 ft (3.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic450 (2023)
Projected traffic570 by 2045
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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 Blacks Mill Road over Big Hunting Creek built?

It was built in 1914, making it 111 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1995.

What condition is Blacks Mill Road over Big Hunting 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does Blacks Mill Road over Big Hunting Creek carry?

About 450 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is Blacks Mill Road over Big Hunting Creek?

The structure is 70 ft (21.3 m) long with a longest span of 70 ft (21.3 m) and a deck 14 ft wide.

Who owns Blacks Mill Road over Big Hunting Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.