AARoads Forum

Regional Boards => Mid-Atlantic => Topic started by: iBallasticwolf2 on June 10, 2015, 11:07:39 AM

Title: Oldtown-Greenspring bridge
Post by: iBallasticwolf2 on June 10, 2015, 11:07:39 AM
I found this ancient seeming wooden bridge over the North Branch Potomac River- https://www.google.ca/maps/@39.537805,-78.613117,3a,75y,215.2h,86.56t/data=!3m4!1e1!3m2!1sRnTOSJqglBMvl9TaR5q27A!2e0. It seems like it should be replaced but the toll revenues (That's right it is tolled!) aren't enough to pay for a new bridge. Apparently the bridge might have a toll hike soon. http://tollroadsnews.com/news/oldtown-bridge-md-wv-facing-major-regulatory-problems-for-toll-hike

Also I find it absolutely insane tractor trailers are even allowed on the bridge.
Title: Re: Oldtown-Greenspring bridge
Post by: cpzilliacus on June 10, 2015, 11:38:23 AM
Quote from: iBallasticwolf2 on June 10, 2015, 11:07:39 AM
Also I find it absolutely insane tractor trailers are even allowed on the bridge.

That is a "low-water" bridge over the Potomac River, and it is indeed tolled.  The weight limits are pretty low, and I know that a laden tractor-trailer is not allowed to use the bridge. 

The bridge even has its own Web site here (http://www.oldtownbridge.com/index.htm)

Bridge toll rates must be approved by the Maryland Public Service Commission (even though the crossing links Maryland and West Virginia, the entire river, up to the "low water mark" on the south shore, is Maryland territory).
Title: Re: Oldtown-Greenspring bridge
Post by: 1995hoo on June 10, 2015, 01:00:05 PM
There is another thread about it somewhere on this forum with dashcam video I uploaded. I got a kick out of the little metal cup the toll-taker extends on a pole. If you search for my username and "low water toll bridge" you should be able to find the thread. I drive across the bridge in July 2013 en route to the Omni Bedford Springs for our third anniversary. My wife said the bridge reminded her of rural roads in Hungary and Romania.
Title: Re: Oldtown-Greenspring bridge
Post by: cpzilliacus on June 10, 2015, 03:22:38 PM
Quote from: 1995hoo on June 10, 2015, 01:00:05 PM
There is another thread about it somewhere on this forum with dashcam video I uploaded. I got a kick out of the little metal cup the toll-taker extends on a pole. If you search for my username and "low water toll bridge" you should be able to find the thread. I drive across the bridge in July 2013 en route to the Omni Bedford Springs for our third anniversary. My wife said the bridge reminded her of rural roads in Hungary and Romania.

I have some pictures of it as well.  Am going to try and work this bridge into the Corridor H meet for next year.
Title: Re: Oldtown-Greenspring bridge
Post by: 1995hoo on June 10, 2015, 04:19:33 PM
I found the other thread:

https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=2087
Title: Re: Oldtown-Greenspring bridge
Post by: skaguy on June 11, 2015, 12:08:14 AM
Quote from: cpzilliacus on June 10, 2015, 03:22:38 PMI have some pictures of it as well.  Am going to try and work this bridge into the Corridor H meet for next year.
That would be fantastic.  I would be slightly terrified to cross it, but would probably be just fine once it came time.