US Bridges

Purnell Crossing R over Pocomoke River

Fair

Wicomico County, Maryland · 2.5 MI E of Md RTE 354 · Structure no. 200000WI2291010

Built
1988
37 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Slab
Wood or Timber
Length
120 ft
7 main spans
Daily traffic
337
2021 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Purnell Crossing R over Pocomoke River is a wood or timber slab carrying Purnell Crossing R over Pocomoke River in Wicomico County, Maryland. It was built in 1988, so it is 37 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 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 337 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 511 by 2041. The structure is 120 ft (36.6 m) long and 24 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesPurnell Crossing R
CrossesPocomoke River
Location2.5 MI E of Md RTE 354
RouteCounty Highway 304
CountyWicomico County
StateMaryland
Coordinates38.33289, -75.32576
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating49.5 US tons
Inventory rating35.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans7
Design loadHS 20
Structure length120 ft (36.6 m)
Longest span17 ft (5.2 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.3 m)
Roadway width23 ft (6.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic337 (2021)
Projected traffic511 by 2041
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.1 mi (13 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 Purnell Crossing R over Pocomoke River built?

It was built in 1988, making it 37 years old in 2025.

What condition is Purnell Crossing R over Pocomoke River 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 October 2023.

How much traffic does Purnell Crossing R over Pocomoke River carry?

About 337 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Purnell Crossing R over Pocomoke River?

The structure is 120 ft (36.6 m) long with a longest span of 17 ft (5.2 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns Purnell Crossing R over Pocomoke River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.