US Bridges

Md 256 over Traceys Creek

Fair

Anne Arundel County, Maryland · 1.73 MI W of Md 258 · Structure no. 100000020126010

Built
1975
50 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
521 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
3,355
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Md 256 over Traceys Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Md 256 over Traceys Creek in Anne Arundel County, Maryland. It was built in 1975, so it is 50 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 3,355 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,431 by 2043. The structure is 521 ft (158.8 m) long and 36 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesMd 256
CrossesTraceys Creek
Location1.73 MI W of Md 258
RouteState Highway 256
CountyAnne Arundel County
StateMaryland
Coordinates38.77818, -76.5625
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 protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
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 adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating71.5 US tons
Inventory rating43 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2 (+8 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length521 ft (158.8 m)
Longest span52 ft (15.9 m)
Deck width36 ft (10.9 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,355 (2023)
Projected traffic4,431 by 2043
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState 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 Md 256 over Traceys Creek built?

It was built in 1975, making it 50 years old in 2025.

What condition is Md 256 over Traceys 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does Md 256 over Traceys Creek carry?

About 3,355 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is Md 256 over Traceys Creek?

The structure is 521 ft (158.8 m) long with a longest span of 52 ft (15.9 m) and a deck 36 ft wide.

Who owns Md 256 over Traceys Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.