US Bridges

Point of Rocks Roa over C&o Canal

Fair

Frederick County, Maryland · 0.3 Miles from Potomac Ri · Structure no. 3100003P0000000

Built
1890
135 years old, rebuilt 2004
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
78 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
159
2007 count
Owner
Federal
National Park Service

About this bridge

Point of Rocks Roa over C&o Canal is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Point of Rocks Roa over C&o Canal in Frederick County, Maryland. It was built in 1890 and reconstructed in 2004, so it is 135 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 159 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 175 by 2027. The structure is 78 ft (23.9 m) long and 12 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesPoint of Rocks Roa
CrossesC&o Canal
Location0.3 Miles from Potomac Ri
RouteFederal Lands Road 223
CountyFrederick County
StateMaryland
Coordinates39.27344, -77.53986
Functional classRural Minor 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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionNovember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating36 US tons
Inventory rating25.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length78 ft (23.9 m)
Longest span39 ft (12 m)
Deck width12 ft (3.6 m)
Roadway width11 ft (3.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic159 (2007)
Projected traffic175 by 2027
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed98.8 mi (159 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerNational Park Service
Maintained byNational Park Service
Historic statusEligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$48,000 (2017 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Point of Rocks Roa over C&o Canal built?

It was built in 1890, making it 135 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2004.

What condition is Point of Rocks Roa over C&o Canal 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 Point of Rocks Roa over C&o Canal carry?

About 159 vehicles per day (2007 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is Point of Rocks Roa over C&o Canal?

The structure is 78 ft (23.9 m) long with a longest span of 39 ft (12 m) and a deck 12 ft wide.

Who owns Point of Rocks Roa over C&o Canal?

It is owned by the National Park Service.