US Bridges

Sign Post Road over Back Creek

FairPosted for load

Somerset County, Maryland · 1 MI N of Sam Barnes Road · Structure no. 200000S-0011010

Built
1985
40 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2023
Type
Slab
Wood or Timber
Length
54 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
784
2011 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Sign Post Road over Back Creek is a wood or timber slab carrying Sign Post Road over Back Creek in Somerset County, Maryland. It was built in 1985, so it is 40 years old, younger 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 784 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,754 by 2031. The structure is 54 ft (16.6 m) long and 24 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSign Post Road
CrossesBack Creek
Location1 MI N of Sam Barnes Road
RouteCounty Highway 93
CountySomerset County
StateMaryland
Coordinates38.13327, -75.71193
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionSeptember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load 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 geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating45.5 US tons
Inventory rating31.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length54 ft (16.6 m)
Longest span18 ft (5.5 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.4 m)
Roadway width23 ft (7.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic784 (2011)
Projected traffic1,754 by 2031
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-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 Sign Post Road over Back Creek built?

It was built in 1985, making it 40 years old in 2025.

What condition is Sign Post Road over Back 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 Sign Post Road over Back Creek carry?

About 784 vehicles per day (2011 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Sign Post Road over Back Creek?

The structure is 54 ft (16.6 m) long with a longest span of 18 ft (5.5 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns Sign Post Road over Back Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.