US Bridges

Poffenberger Road over Antietam Creek

Good

Washington County, Maryland · 0.54 MI W of Alt US Rt 40 · Structure no. 200000W-4012010

Built
1840
185 years old, rebuilt 2019
Condition
Good
inspected November 2023
Type
Arch - Deck
Masonry
Length
120 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,698
2015 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Poffenberger Road over Antietam Creek is a masonry arch - deck carrying Poffenberger Road over Antietam Creek in Washington County, Maryland. It was built in 1840 and reconstructed in 2019, so it is 185 years old, older than the Maryland average of 52.6 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 1,698 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,340 by 2037. The structure is 120 ft (36.6 m) long and 20 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

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CarriesPoffenberger Road
CrossesAntietam Creek
Location0.54 MI W of Alt US Rt 40
RouteCounty Highway 401
CountyWashington County
StateMaryland
Coordinates39.59506, -77.71012
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionNovember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Operating rating110.1 US tons
Inventory rating110.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeArch - Deck
MaterialMasonry
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length120 ft (36.6 m)
Longest span38 ft (11.6 m)
Deck width20 ft (6.1 m)
Roadway width16 ft (4.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,698 (2015)
Projected traffic2,340 by 2037
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$790,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Poffenberger Road over Antietam Creek built?

It was built in 1840, making it 185 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2019.

What condition is Poffenberger Road over Antietam Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in November 2023.

How much traffic does Poffenberger Road over Antietam Creek carry?

About 1,698 vehicles per day (2015 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Poffenberger Road over Antietam Creek?

The structure is 120 ft (36.6 m) long with a longest span of 38 ft (11.6 m) and a deck 20 ft wide.

Who owns Poffenberger Road over Antietam Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.