US Bridges

Dorsey Run Road over Dorsey Run

Fair

Howard County, Maryland · 0.5 MI S of Md RTE 175 · Structure no. 200000HO0012010

Built
1955
70 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
34 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
7,693
2024 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Dorsey Run Road over Dorsey Run is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Dorsey Run Road over Dorsey Run in Howard County, Maryland. It was built in 1955, so it is 70 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 7,693 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 9,390 by 2044. The structure is 34 ft (10.4 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.7 mi (14 km).

Location

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CarriesDorsey Run Road
CrossesDorsey Run
Location0.5 MI S of Md RTE 175
RouteCounty Highway 121
CountyHoward County
StateMaryland
Coordinates39.14931, -76.787
Functional classUrban 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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionApril 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
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 adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating82 US tons
Inventory rating62.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length34 ft (10.4 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width26 ft (8 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic7,693 (2024)
Projected traffic9,390 by 2044
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.7 mi (14 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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$750,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Dorsey Run Road over Dorsey Run built?

It was built in 1955, making it 70 years old in 2025.

What condition is Dorsey Run Road over Dorsey 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 April 2024.

How much traffic does Dorsey Run Road over Dorsey Run carry?

About 7,693 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is Dorsey Run Road over Dorsey Run?

The structure is 34 ft (10.4 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns Dorsey Run Road over Dorsey Run?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.