US Bridges

Accident Bear Cree over Bear Creek

Fair

Garrett County, Maryland · 0.17 MI SE Walnut ST · Structure no. 200000G-0085010

Built
1921
104 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2023
Type
Arch - Deck
Concrete
Length
62 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
2,345
2019 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Accident Bear Cree over Bear Creek is a concrete arch - deck carrying Accident Bear Cree over Bear Creek in Garrett County, Maryland. It was built in 1921, so it is 104 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 2,345 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,865 by 2039. The structure is 62 ft (18.9 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 11.8 mi (19 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesAccident Bear Cree
CrossesBear Creek
Location0.17 MI SE Walnut ST
RouteCounty Highway 277
CountyGarrett County
StateMaryland
Coordinates39.66081, -79.39631
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
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 protection4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionSeptember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating36 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeArch - Deck
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length62 ft (18.9 m)
Longest span61 ft (18.6 m)
Deck width26 ft (8 m)
Roadway width25 ft (7.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deck20 ft (6.1 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,345 (2019)
Projected traffic2,865 by 2039
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed11.8 mi (19 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusEligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$32,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Accident Bear Cree over Bear Creek built?

It was built in 1921, making it 104 years old in 2025.

What condition is Accident Bear Cree over Bear 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 September 2023.

How much traffic does Accident Bear Cree over Bear Creek carry?

About 2,345 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Accident Bear Cree over Bear Creek?

The structure is 62 ft (18.9 m) long with a longest span of 61 ft (18.6 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns Accident Bear Cree over Bear Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.