US Bridges

Bell Branch Road over Bell Branch

Fair

Anne Arundel County, Maryland · 1.2 MI East of RTE 424 · Structure no. 200000AA4026030

Built
1970
55 years old, rebuilt 1990
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Culvert
Steel
Length
38 ft
Daily traffic
656
2018 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Bell Branch Road over Bell Branch is a steel culvert carrying Bell Branch Road over Bell Branch in Anne Arundel County, Maryland. It was built in 1970 and reconstructed in 1990, so it is 55 years old, older 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 656 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 700 by 2040. The structure is 38 ft (11.6 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesBell Branch Road
CrossesBell Branch
Location1.2 MI East of RTE 424
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyAnne Arundel County
StateMaryland
Coordinates38.97803, -76.64711
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
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 inspectionJuly 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 adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating72 US tons
Inventory rating43 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialSteel
DeckNot applicable
Main spans0
Design loadHS 20
Structure length38 ft (11.6 m)
Longest span20 ft (6.1 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic656 (2018)
Projected traffic700 by 2040
Trucks2%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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 Bell Branch Road over Bell Branch built?

It was built in 1970, making it 55 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1990.

What condition is Bell Branch Road over Bell 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 July 2023.

How much traffic does Bell Branch Road over Bell Branch carry?

About 656 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 2% are trucks.

How long is Bell Branch Road over Bell Branch?

The structure is 38 ft (11.6 m) long with a longest span of 20 ft (6.1 m).

Who owns Bell Branch Road over Bell Branch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.