Small Structures on Maryland's Roadways, Historic Context Report

This report is an historical overview of the development of Maryland's roadway system, focusing on small roadway structures less than 20-feet long; a discussion of the types of small structures found on Maryland's roadways; and guidance for assessing the structures' eligibility for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places. These structures resemble bridges but are shorter, less than 20 feet long.

There are two periods of significance for small highway structures. First, the early nineteenth century is associated with early turnpikes and the National Road. Second, the period from 1912 to 1933 is associated with the Maryland State Roads Commission's development of "Standard Plans" which allowed easy construction of concrete structures over almost any body of water in the State. The State stopped using the standard plans in 1933, concluding the period of significance for many 20th century small structures.