US Bridges

Nova Scotia Road over James Run

Fair

Harford County, Maryland · 0.6 Miles E of Md 543 · Structure no. 200000H-0011010

Built
1930
95 years old, rebuilt 1999
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
32 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
275
2023 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Nova Scotia Road over James Run is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Nova Scotia Road over James Run in Harford County, Maryland. It was built in 1930 and reconstructed in 1999, so it is 95 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 275 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 336 by 2043. The structure is 32 ft (9.8 m) long and 18 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNova Scotia Road
CrossesJames Run
Location0.6 Miles E of Md 543
RouteCounty Highway 474
CountyHarford County
StateMaryland
Coordinates39.50473, -76.25905
Functional classRural 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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourCountermeasures installed to correct a previously existing problem
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Operating rating110.1 US tons
Inventory rating71.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 25 or greater
Structure length32 ft (9.8 m)
Longest span28 ft (8.5 m)
Deck width18 ft (5.5 m)
Roadway width16 ft (4.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic275 (2023)
Projected traffic336 by 2043
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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 Nova Scotia Road over James Run built?

It was built in 1930, making it 95 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1999.

What condition is Nova Scotia Road over James Run 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 July 2023.

How much traffic does Nova Scotia Road over James Run carry?

About 275 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Nova Scotia Road over James Run?

The structure is 32 ft (9.8 m) long with a longest span of 28 ft (8.5 m) and a deck 18 ft wide.

Who owns Nova Scotia Road over James Run?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.