US Bridges

Norman Balm Entran over Abandoned RR

Fair

Frederick County, Maryland · 0.1MI NW of 1728 N Market · Structure no. 300000F-MT01010

Built
1920
105 years old, rebuilt 1987
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2024
Type
Girder and Floorbeam System
Steel
Length
32 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
5
2014 count
Owner
State
Other State Agency

About this bridge

Norman Balm Entran over Abandoned RR is a steel girder and floorbeam system carrying Norman Balm Entran over Abandoned RR in Frederick County, Maryland. It was built in 1920 and reconstructed in 1987, so it is 105 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 5 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 6 by 2034. The structure is 32 ft (9.8 m) long and 13 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNorman Balm Entran
CrossesAbandoned RR
Location0.1MI NW of 1728 N Market
CountyFrederick County
StateMaryland
Coordinates39.4408, -77.40215
Functional classUrban 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.
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.
Last inspectionNovember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Approach roadway alignment4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Operating rating43 US tons
Inventory rating31 US tons

Structure

Structure typeGirder and Floorbeam System
MaterialSteel
DeckOpen grating
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length32 ft (9.8 m)
Longest span29 ft (8.8 m)
Deck width13 ft (3.9 m)
Roadway width11 ft (3.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5 (2014)
Projected traffic6 by 2034
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRailroad
Detour if closed98.8 mi (159 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerOther State Agency
Maintained byOther State Agency
Historic statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$200,000
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was Norman Balm Entran over Abandoned RR built?

It was built in 1920, making it 105 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1987.

What condition is Norman Balm Entran over Abandoned RR 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 2024.

How much traffic does Norman Balm Entran over Abandoned RR carry?

About 5 vehicles per day (2014 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Norman Balm Entran over Abandoned RR?

The structure is 32 ft (9.8 m) long with a longest span of 29 ft (8.8 m) and a deck 13 ft wide.

Who owns Norman Balm Entran over Abandoned RR?

It is owned by the Other State Agency.