US Bridges

Sands Road over Rock Branch

Fair

Anne Arundel County, Maryland · 0.7 MI N of Bayard RD · Structure no. 200000AA1014030

Built
1974
51 years old, rebuilt 2001
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2023
Type
Culvert
Steel
Length
32 ft
Daily traffic
2,144
2023 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Sands Road over Rock Branch is a steel culvert carrying Sands Road over Rock Branch in Anne Arundel County, Maryland. It was built in 1974 and reconstructed in 2001, so it is 51 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 5 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 2,144 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,300 by 2027. The structure is 32 ft (9.8 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

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CarriesSands Road
CrossesRock Branch
Location0.7 MI N of Bayard RD
RouteCounty Highway 3549
CountyAnne Arundel County
StateMaryland
Coordinates38.85469, -76.68713
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionDecember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating110.1 US tons
Inventory rating110.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialSteel
DeckNot applicable
Main spans0
Design loadHS 20
Structure length32 ft (9.8 m)
Longest span14 ft (4.3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,144 (2023)
Projected traffic2,300 by 2027
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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 Sands Road over Rock Branch built?

It was built in 1974, making it 51 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2001.

What condition is Sands Road over Rock Branch 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 December 2023.

How much traffic does Sands Road over Rock Branch carry?

About 2,144 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Sands Road over Rock Branch?

The structure is 32 ft (9.8 m) long with a longest span of 14 ft (4.3 m).

Who owns Sands Road over Rock Branch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.